Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

The Act was formed to validate the 86^th Constitutional amendment act, 2002 (inserted right to education in article 21 (a) of the Constitution).

Basic Features of the Original Act: Free and compulsory education to children between 6 and 14 years of age.

• No detention of students till class 8^th. Automatic promotion to next class would avoid dropping out of school.
• It lays down the norms and standards relating inter alia to Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings and infrastructure, school-working days, teacher-working hours.
• It prohibits (a) physical punishment and mental harassment; (b) screening procedures for admission of children; (c) capitation fee; (d) private tuition ....