Implementation of right to education in Punjab an empirical study

Abstract

Education is an essential constituent in the life of human beings as it lays the foundation for a developed nation. The education provided in the early years is imperative in order to become skilled and shaping the decisions. Education being a universal entitlement has been recognized at both International and national level. It was acknowledged as an instrument for the realization of all other human rights. Various initiatives such as District Primary Education Programme (DPEP), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Mid Day Meal (MDM) have been taken so far by the government in providing education for all. The enactment of Article 21A and Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 is a step forward in this direction which provides for free and compulsory elementary education to all children between age group of 6 to 14 years. Therefore, the present study i.e. Implementation of Right to Education in Punjab An Empirical Study has been undertaken for examining the implementation of the provisions of RTE Act and Punjab RTE Rules, the awareness of the respondents (students, parents, principals and teachers) about the provisions of RTE Act, improvement in the teaching-learning process, universalization of elementary education in Punjab and also highlighting various problems for the effective implementation of the RTE Act. The primary and the secondary data sources have been taken into account for the research purpose. The main findings of the study are the partial implementation of the provisions of RTE Act and Punjab RTE Rules; the students, parents, the principals and the teachers are partially aware regarding the provisions of RTE Act; teaching-learning process is not satisfactory and the implementation of the RTE Act has not improved the universalization of elementary education in the state of Punjab. newline