Journey of Right To Education: A Historical perspective

On 26th January 1950 when Indian Constitution was reinforced, it had in its Article 45 a directive principle promising free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of 14 years. This was to be attained within 10 years. But the state that was responsible for implementing the constitutional promise of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years could not do so for next 5 decades. In the 60th year of India became Republic, on the 27th day of August 2009, Right of children to free and compulsory education act 2009 was notified. Through 86th constitutional amendment, Article 21-a (part III) was inserted in the fundamental right section of constitution under which, “The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6 to 14 years in such manner as the state may, by law, determine. The path to the most sought ‘Right to Education’ was not as simple and easy. For understanding it in a better way, we will have to dwell into the history of Indian Education. The present paper tries to look at the historical perspective of journey of ‘Right to Education’ in Indian scenario.