Understanding the Constitutional Changes for Right to Education

The question asks which article among the given options was not amended or inserted when education was made a fundamental right in India. Let's analyze the relevant information provided in the passage and our knowledge of the Indian Constitution.

The passage highlights the evolution of education's status in the Indian Constitution:

• Initially, Article 45 was a Directive Principle aiming for free and compulsory education up to age fourteen.
• As this goal remained unfulfilled, Article 21A was inserted as a fundamental right to reinforce the importance of education.
• The insertion of Article 21A was accompanied by corresponding amendments in Article 45 and Article 51A.

Based on this information, we know the following:

• Article 21A: This article was explicitly inserted as a fundamental right to education.
• Article 45: This article was amended corresponding to the insertion of Article 21A.
• Article 51A: This article was also amended corresponding to the insertion of Article 21A (specifically, adding a fundamental duty related to education).

Now let's consider the options given:

• Article 15
• Article 21 A
• Article 45
• Article 51 A

From our analysis derived from the passage, Articles 21A, 45, and 51A were all involved in the process of making education a fundamental right either through insertion or amendment. Article 15, however, is not mentioned in the passage in this context. Article 15 deals with the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, which is distinct from the specific constitutional changes made to establish education as a fundamental right under Article 21A for children aged 6-14.

Therefore, Article 15 was not amended or inserted in relation to establishing education as a fundamental right in the manner described in the passage (insertion of 21A and corresponding amendments to 45 and 51A).

Detailed Analysis of Articles

The passage explicitly confirms that Article 21A was inserted and Articles 45 and 51A were amended corresponding to this insertion to establish education as a fundamental right. Article 15 is not mentioned in this context and serves a different purpose related to non-discrimination.

Conclusion on Articles and Right to Education

Based on the information in the passage and the options provided, Article 15 was not amended or inserted when education was made a fundamental right through the insertion of Article 21A and related amendments.

Revision Table: Key Constitutional Articles on Education

Additional Information: The 86th Amendment Act, 2002

The constitutional change that made education a fundamental right is primarily associated with the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002. This significant amendment inserted Article 21A into Part III (Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution. Consequently, it also led to consequential amendments in Article 45 (in Part IV, Directive Principles of State Policy) and Article 51A (in Part IVA, Fundamental Duties). This legislative action aimed to give greater constitutional emphasis and enforceability to the right to education for young children.

• Article 21A: Made the right to education a justiciable right, meaning citizens can approach courts for its enforcement.
• Amendment to Article 45: Shifted the focus of Article 45 to early childhood care and education for children below the age of six years, complementing Article 21A which covers ages 6-14.
• Amendment to Article 51A: Added a new fundamental duty (51A(k)) for parents and guardians to ensure their children between 6 and 14 receive education, promoting shared responsibility.

Article 15, while crucial for ensuring equal access and non-discrimination in educational institutions, was not one of the articles directly amended or inserted by the 86th Amendment Act concerning the fundamental right to education for children aged 6-14.