With the landmark passing of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 the number of children attending school in India continues to rise. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE) makes education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6 and 14. The act has specific guidelines about the Reservation in schools, methods of Admissions; Curriculum; Budgets; and School Infrastructure among other things. Each of the states in India have specifically allocated resources for the implementation of the act along with resources from the centre.
Question is..
But the question remains, are our schools equipped in terms of resources, classrooms and teachers to support and nurture them? Various studies and learning assessments show that substantial efforts are required to facilitate completion of quality education in the nation. In the light of these circumstance, we need to work relentlessly to ensure children in rural India have access to quality education and complete their education to become productive and happy citizens.
Premium on rural education
We need to place a premium on rural education. There needs to be schools in rural areas where children can have access to quality education. We need small schools which can become significant community spaces in rural areas. These schools essentially would foster respect for the child, the families and communities and the environment. Such interventions would recognize and address the issues of the communities and bring economic independence among the youth.