NCPCR sets up Special Div, to launch helpline to monitor RTE Act

Source: UNI:April 1,2010


New Delhi, Apr 1 : The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has created a Special Division to fulfill the ''huge and important task'' of monitoring the implementation of the historic Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, which came into force today.

NCPCR, which has been mandated to monitor the implementation of the Act, will also set up a special toll free helpline to register complaints in this regard, an official release said here.

Welcoming the formal notification of the Act, NCPCR is looking forward to playing an active role in ensuring its successful implementation.

It has also invited all civil society groups, students, teachers, administrators, artists, writers, government personnel, legislators, members of the judiciary and all other stakeholders to join hands and work together to build a movement to ensure that every child of this country is in school and enabled to get at least eight years of quality education.

NCPCR has termed it as a historic day for the people of India as from this day the right to education will be accorded the same legal status as the right to life as provided by Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. Every child in the age group of six to 14 years will be provided eight years of elementary education in an age appropriate classroom in the vicinity of his/her neighbourhood.

Any cost that prevents a child from accessing school will be borne by the state, which shall have the responsibility of enrolling the child as well as ensuring attendance and completion of eight years of schooling. No child shall be denied admission for want of documents; no child shall be turned away if the admission cycle in the school is over and no child shall be asked to take an admission test.

Children with disabilities will also be educated in the mainstream schools.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said implementing the act was important for the country to nurture children and young people and secure India's future as a strong and prosperous country.