New Delhi, Apr 1: On this day, India has touched yet another milestone in education as the government on Thursday, Apr 1 officially implemented the landmark law which makes education a fundamental right.

All the children of the country irrespective of gender and social category will access to education and fund constraints would not be allowed to hamper implementation of the Right to Education Act, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said while addressing the nation on the new law.

“Our government, in partnership with state governments, will ensure that financial constraints do not hamper the implementation of the Right to Education Act," he said.

The parliament passed the 86th Constitutional amendment in 2002 making education a fundamental right. The law requires state governments and local bodies to ensure that every child gets education in a school in the neighbourhood.

The law is applicable to children in the age group of 6-14 years. There are crores of children in India who have either never been to school or have dropped out. The local governance authorities are, therefore, required to identify these children and ensure they get school education.

Rs 25,000 crore has been provided to the state governments for the implementation of the law.

The law also makes it mandatory for private institutions to reserve 25 per cents for the children from weaker section.

Speaking on a personal note, Manmohan Singh drew attention to the importance of education. “I read under the dim light of a kerosene lamp. I am what I am today because of education," he said.

Further stressing on the importance of education, the prime minister added, "I want every Indian to dream of a better future and live that dream."

OneIndia News