RTE Act During Manmohan Singh’s Term: Successes and Failures Discussed by Experts
The Right to Education which is known as RTE Act, 2009 has been enacted during the tenure of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s as Prime Minister was a landmark legislation with the motive to provide free and compulsory education to children between 6-14 years. Experts have always praised for its vision but have also highlighted significant challenges in its implementation.
Successes in this Act
- All India Institute of Medical Science 25% free seats for underprivileged children, for promoting inclusivity.
- The RTE Act was popular for making education a fundamental right by increasing access to schooling for marginalized groups.
- In this Act the main focus was on infrastructure, teacher-student ratios, and the prohibition of corporal punishment which marked as a progressive step in improving the quality of education.
- After the enactment of this act, Literacy rates showed improvement, and enrollment in primary schools also increased among girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Failures of this Act
- After many achievements, the RTE Act has also faced criticism for its incomplete implementation.
- Experts argue that the quality of education remained subpar because the Act has mainly focused on access rather than learning outcomes.
- Government schools, in particular, struggled with inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and lack of training.
- The Act has excluded children below the age of 6 years and above 14 years, leaving gaps in early childhood education and secondary schooling.
- Many private schools resisted the 25% reservation mandate, citing financial constraints and logistical challenges.
- There is "no-detention" policy under RTE, though well-intentioned, and was also criticized for promoting students without ensuring their competence which results to poor academic performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion it can be said that the RTE Act was a bold step towards educational equity but at the same time its success was affected by systemic issues and inconsistent enforcement. Experts emphasize the need for better monitoring, investment, and a focus on learning outcomes to realize its full potential. The Act remains a pivotal, albeit imperfect,
Follow PlanEdu for more educational news and updates
