RTE Act through the lens of Nikhil Pattani

The RTE Act came into effect in 2009 to provide free and compulsory elementary education in a neighbourhood school to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. While the criterion for economically weaker sections differs for every state, in Maharashtra, children from families with annual income under Rs 1 lakh are eligible for RTE admission.

Unsurprisingly, many years after the Right to Education (RTE) Act was passed, around 50% of families in slums across the country are still unaware of its existence. The policies in India are actually quite good — but on-the-ground implementation is not.

Rashmi, a slum dweller, dreamt of getting her six-year-old daughter into grade I at a neighbourhood private school last year. The 38-year-old labourer from a slum of Central Mumbai had applied under Right To Education (RTE) Section 12(1)(c) that guarantees 25% reservation in non-minority private unaided schools to children from marginalised sections of the society. 

Rashmi's daughter did get a seat in a school but the experience has left her shocked. 

“They (School teachers and administration) spoke in English which I don’t understand so I had to repeatedly ask for an explanation,” said Rashmi. 

“They were demanding Rs 1,200 for the books and I was unable to bear those expenses. My daughter could not continue her education and being a mother, I feel disgusted and suffocated every single second," explained Rashmi with a throat choked voice and wet eyes. 

It is worth mentioning here that the state government is expected to reimburse schools for books, fees and uniforms under the RTE Act.

The ill treatment that Rashmi faced are among the critical reasons why the RTE reservation system in Maharashtra is struggling to reach its objective--to provide free, inclusive education. If such schools had followed RTE rules, Rashmi would not be forced to pay for his daughter’s books nor would he be made to feel humiliated.

Additionally, if Rashmi would be aware of the rights and benefits of her daughter as per RTE act,  she could fight against the maltreatment of the school's administration and set a milestone for more mothers like her. 

So, generating awareness of the right to education act is crucial for the betterment of the future of our nation.... We have to do our bit to serve this purpose. Always remember, awareness leads to action and action leads to change. 

so, let's be a CHANGEMAKER!