Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) is a milestone in Indian education, making elementary education a fundamental right for every child aged 6–14 years.

• Free and Compulsory Education: Universal access to elementary education (Class 1-8) in a neighborhood school. • No Capitation Fee & Screening: Prohibition of any donation or screening procedure during admission. • No Detention Policy: No child can be held back or expelled until the completion of elementary education. • Prohibition of Punishments: Complete ban on physical punishment and mental harassment. • Infrastructure Norms: Standards for classrooms, toilets, drinking water, and playgrounds. • PTR (Pupil-Teacher Ratio): Specified ratios to ensure quality (e.g., 30:1 for primary, 35:1 for upper primary).

• Age-Appropriate Admission: Children who have never been to school or dropped out have the right to be admitted to a class appropriate for their age. • Special Training: Provisions for bridge courses to help children catch up to their age-appropriate level. • Non-Discrimination: Ensuring no child is discriminated against based on caste, religion, gender, or disability.

• Regularity & Punctuality: Attending school regularly and on time. • Curriculum Completion: Completing the specified syllabus within the academic year. • Continuous Assessment: Assessing the learning ability of every child and providing supplementary instruction as needed. • Parental Engagement: Holding regular meetings with parents and School Management Committees (SMC). • No Private Tuition: Teachers are prohibited from undertaking private tuition activities.

• Creating an inclusive, fear-free, and joyful learning environment. • Moving away from rote learning towards activity-based and child-centered methods. • Ensuring full participation of children from disadvantaged groups.