CONCEPT AND NEED OF UNIVERSALIZATION OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
As you know, elementary education caters to the needs of children in the age group of 6-14 years. In general, it includes education from Std. I needs of to Std. VIIIth. (Std. I to V-Lower Primary, Std. V to VIII upper primary). Universalization of elementary education means making elementary education available to each and every child in the country irrespective of his/her caste, creed, religion, ethnic group, gender and socio-economic status.
Education is at the base of all types of human development and progress. Education is said to be the sharpest weapon and strongest shield against all human problems. Human life becomes meaningless in the absence of education. It is through education, that we acquire knowledge and skills which enable us to lead a fruitful life. India is a democratic country and justice, equality and liberty are the guiding principles of our Constitution. You will agree with the opinion that to deprive someone of the right of obtaining education is a gross injustice, and hence, universalization of at least primary education is of prime importance in a democratic and secular country like ours.
Article 45 of the Constitution of India
The constitution of India takes care of every aspect of human development. Article 45 of the Constitution provides for free and compulsory education to children in the age group of 6-14 years. You are aware of the fact that provision for universalization of elementary education was part of all five years plans. Government, non-government agencies, voluntary organizations and private organizations are engaged in this task but still the goal to provide education for all be achieved still remains.
Reasons for Non-Achievement of Goals of UEF
ACTIVITY -1: Some of the Important Questions to be Discussed
Q.1. Add at least three more reasons for non-achievement of the goals of Universalization of Elementary Education. ?
Q.2. Did you observe any difference in life style of literates and illiterates?
What type of differences have you observed between literates and illiterates people on the following counts - (Record your observations)
- Attitude towards life.
- Social Maturity
- Knowledge level
- Economic status
- Educational status of children
- Size of family
- Living standard
86th CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
In the year 2002, 86th amendment in the Constitution was made by the Indian Parliament.
THE CONSTITUTION (EIGHTY-SIXTH AMENDMENT) ACT, 2002
1. Short title and commencement- (1) This Act may be called the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002.(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Insertion of new article 21A- After article 21 of the Constitution, the following article shall be inserted, namely:-Right to education.-”21A. 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.”
3. Substitution of new article for article 45- For article 45 of the Constitution, the following article shall be substituted, namely:- .Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.”45. The State shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.”
The 86th amendment to the Constitution approved in 2002 providing free and compulsory education to all children aged six to 14 years has been notified.
Along with this, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act which was passed by Parliament was also notified to enable the implementation of the 86th amendment.
In 2002, through the 86th Amendment Act, Article 21(A) was incorporated. It made the right to primary education part of the right to freedom, stating that the State would provide free and compulsory education to children from six to fourteen years of age.
Article 21 of the Constitution is related with protection of life and personal liberty. Article 21 A was added after Article 21.You will appreciate that Article 21 A makes the right of education of children of the age group of 6- 14 years, a fundamental right.
Article 51 A of the constitution includes 10 fundamental duties of citizens. By virtue of this amendment 11th fundamental duty is added which read as follows, ‘to provide opportunities for education to his/her child or ward as the case may be, between the ages of 6 to 14 years. So to give education to the children / wards has now become a fundamental duty of every citizen.
Rright to Education Act (RTE)-2009
On 26th of August 2009 the Indian Parliament passed a historic Act regarding education, known as ‘ Right to Education Act’ 2009. In view of the non- achievement of goals of UEE, this was the most awaited step on the part of Govt. of India. But you will be surprised to know that Act to provide free and compulsory education to the children in the age group of 6-14 yrs was already framed and implemented by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj in Kolhapur State (Maharashtra) way back in 1902. In 1918 Vitthalbhai Patel made primary education compulsory in all Municipal Councils of Bombay State by passing an Act to that effect. Mahatma Gandhi’s Basic System of Education or Wardha Scheme of Education, (1937) also advocated for compulsory and free education for children. You will definitely appreciate the argument of Mahatma Gandhi that, every person has right over free air and water, similarly free education should be available to each and every child and it is the duty of society and Government to look after the welfare of the child.
Our country is a party to the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child 1959. Accordingly it adopted a National Policy on Children in 1974. UNICEF Report (2005) titled “Childhood under Threat” states that 72 million children in India between five and fourteen years do not have easy access to basic education. In order to ensure rights of the child and in response to India’s commitment to UN declaration to this effect, the Govt. of India set up a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Each and every child has a right to survival, development and participation. As a responsible citizen and moreover, as a teachers, it is our prime duty to protect the rights of the child.
You will now study in detail the following provisions of RTE Act
- Rights of the child.
- Roles and responsibilities of the teacher
- School governance and management
- Curriculum and evaluation imperatives.
Rights of the Child
As per declaration of the United Nations on rights of the child some of the important rights are as follows.
Every child of the age of 6 to 14 years shall have a right to free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school till the completion of elementary education.
No child shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges for completing the elementary education. We should take every care to see that no child is denied admission in want of money.
By some reasons or the other, if a child above 6 years could not complete his or her elementary education then he/she will be availed opportunity to get admission in the class in accordance with the age of the child.
If the school where the child is admitted does not have facility for completing elementary education then the child shall have right to seek transfer to another school where such facilities are available, we should extend every help to the child who needs to get transferred.
If for any reason a child is required to move from one school to another within a state or outside, such child shall have right to seek transfer at his/ her will. As a teacher, we can help the child at this juncture.
The headmaster or in-charge of the concerned school is expected to issue the transfer certificate to the child. Delay in issuance of transfer certificate shall be liable for disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to him or her.
No child shall be denied admission in a school for lack of age proof. If possible we can help the child to get his/her age proof, this may help the child in future also.
No child shall be denied admission even after the last date of admission & as a teacher it will be our responsibility to complete the studies of the child as per requirement.
No child admitted in the school shall be held back in any class or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education.
We should never subject any child to physical punishment or mental harassment.
ACTIVITY- 3: Some of the Important Questions to be Discussed
- Study these rights of the child carefully and on the basis of your observations state how far these are followed in your area/school/class room.
- Mention the reasons for violation of child right
- Make a list of the child rights which are being violated in your area
- Visit the places (hotels, shops, farms, market places etc.) where child rights are being violated, interact with the children engaged in work at such places and record your observations.
- Organize programmes for creating awareness regarding child rights among the people.
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