Question : COMPULSORY EDUCATION

(a) the progress achieved with regard to the constitutional commitment of providing free and compulsory education to all children between the age group of 6-14 years in the country, State and UT-wise;

(b) whether private and non-government schools are free from this commitment;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether, the Government proposes to associate private and non-government schools with the system of providing free and compulsory education to all the said children by enacting a legislation; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a): The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act inserted Article 21A in the Constitution which makes education a Fundamental Right for children in the age group of 6-14 years by providing that “the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law,determine”. Pending enactment of a suitable follow-up legislation envisaged in Article 21A, the above mentioned Constitutional Amendment Act has not yet been enforced.

(b) to (e): Does not arise.