The Hindu : National : Nod for Bill on free education to children

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Friday, Jul 03, 2009
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Nod for Bill on free education to children

NEW DELHI: A Bill seeking to make free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged between 6 and 14 will be placed before the current session of Parliament.

The Right to Education Bill was cleared by the Union Cabinet on Thursday after incorporating certain changes in the original draft as suggested by the Standing Committee, sources said.

Once the Bill becomes a law, free and compulsory education will be a fundamental right.

The Act provides for 25 per cent reservation of seats in private schools for poor children in the neighbourhood. The government will reimburse the money at government rate towards these seats.

The Bill prohibits donations, capitation fees, interviewing the child or parents as part of the screening procedure.

The financial burden to implement the Bill will be shared between the States and the Centre. A school can be fined up to Rs.1 lakh if not recognised by a regulating body.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has said that the government was committed to implementing 25 per cent quota in private schools for poor students, as proposed in the Bill. — PTI

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