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- By Parinda News Bureau, December 4, 2006, 17:30 IST
A Committee constituted by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) under the chairmanship of Shri Kapil Sibal, the then Minister of State for Science & Technology and Ocean Development had submitted a report on 2.7.2005 containing essential provisions of the draft legislation envisaged under Article 21 A of the Constitution which makes education a Fundamental Right for children in the age group of 6-14 years. The report was considered by the CABE in its meeting held on 14-15th July, 2005 and based on the suggestions and comments received during the CABE meeting, the draft legislation was revised and circulated to the States/UTs. Based on further consultations and comprehensive discussion on the legal and constitutional implications as well as the concomitant financial requirements a draft Model Right to Education Bill, spelling out broad parameters and features for achieving the Constitutional mandate of free and compulsory education was drafted and circulated as framework to the States/ UTs to seek their comments thereon.
National Knowledge Commission have expressed their view that a central legislation under Article 21 A of the Constitution should be enacted requiring the States to enact Right to Education Bills within a specified time period, and with the primary financial responsibility for this resting with the Central Government. In addition the National Knowledge Commission has suggested that norms for infrastructure, pupil-teacher ratios, Teaching methods and facilities should be adhered to. It has also observed that norms for minimum qualifications of teachers are important. It has also made observations on justiciability and redressal mechanisms.
For making Right to Education a reality, adequate financial provisions are necessary. In this context the matter has been taken up with the Planning Commission to make an unequivocal commitment to enhancing public spending on education to 6% of the GDP during the 11th Plan.
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