How does the Indian Constitution and current government policies address the educational needs and rights of children, and what are some innovative ways to ensure these policies are effectively implemented at the grassroots level?
Yasaswini KBegginer
The Indian Constitution and current government policies robustly address the educational needs and rights of children through several key provisions and initiatives. Article 21A of the Constitution guarantees the right to free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14. This is operationalized by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which mandates that private schools reserve 25% of seats for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, ensuring inclusivity.
Government policies such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) further support children’s education by improving access, retention, and nutrition, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform the education system by focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, holistic development, and equitable access to education for all children, especially marginalized groups.
To effectively implement these policies at the grassroots level, innovative strategies can be employed. Community engagement and awareness campaigns can mobilize local support and participation in educational initiatives. Utilizing technology through digital classrooms, e-learning platforms, and mobile apps can bridge educational gaps, especially in remote areas. Strengthening teacher training and incentivizing educators to work in rural and underserved regions can improve the quality of education.
Public-private partnerships can also play a crucial role in resource mobilization and infrastructure development. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be robust to ensure accountability and transparency, ensuring that educational policies reach every child and fulfill their right to education.
The “Manga Carta” of the Indian Constitution, Part III the fundamental rights ensured many rights like the Right to education.
State is mandated by Article 21(A) and the Right to Education Act, of 2009, to provide free and compulsory education to all children of age six to fourteen years.
Current government has also taken initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which tries to transform the education system.
For effective implementation at the grassroots level, some innovative ways are:
Moreover, ‘Mid-day meal’ Schemes, the ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ program, and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ Schemes all have an effect at the grassroots level.