The Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 provides for free and compulsory education to all children of the age group of -

The correct answer is 6 to 14 yrs.

Key Points

• The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (commonly referred to as RTE Act) ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
• This Act was enacted on 4 August 2009 and came into effect on 1 April 2010.
• It makes education a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
• The Act mandates that no child in the specified age group shall be denied admission or face discrimination in schools.
• It requires the government to ensure adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers, and proper monitoring for the effective implementation of the Act.

Additional Information

• Article 21A: This article of the Indian Constitution was introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
• Responsibilities under RTE: The Act requires the central and state governments to share the financial and administrative responsibilities for implementing the provisions of the RTE Act.
• Reservation in Private Schools: The RTE Act mandates that private schools must reserve 25% of their seats for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
• Prohibition of Practices: The Act prohibits physical punishment, mental harassment, discrimination, and the expulsion of children up to the age of 14.
• Quality Standards: The Act specifies minimum standards for schools, including pupil-teacher ratios, infrastructure, and working hours for teachers.