New Delhi, July 02: A Bill seeking to make free and
compulsory education to children in the 6-14 age group a
fundamental right will be placed before current session of
Parliament.
The Right to Education Bill was cleared today by the
Union Cabinet after incorporating certain changes in the
original draft as suggested by the Standing Committee, sources
said.
Once the Bill becomes a law, it will make free and
compulsory education a fundamental right.
The Act provides for 25 per cent reservation of seats
in private schools for poor children in neighbourhood. The
government would reimburse the money at government rate
towards these seats.
The Bill prohibits payment of donations or capitation
fees or interviewing the child or parents as part of a
screening procedure.
The financial burden to implement the Bill will be shared
between states and Centre. A school can be fined up to Rs one
lakh if not recognised by a regulating body.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has said that the government was
committed to implement 25 per cent quota in private schools
for poor students as proposed in the Bill.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, July 02, 2009, 19:28