The RTE Act will ensure that children are not discriminated against in the classrom, during
mid-day meals and at the common drinking or toilet facilities. Children will be treated equally in school.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) has been notified in India after approval from both Houses of Parliament and the President of India. The Act ensures that all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years have access to quality primary education. Children who have missed out on schooling will also have the right to access primary education in an age appropriate manner.
Every elementary school in the country has to provide the facilities to make their school child-friendly. The RTE Act explains the role of stakeholders and what they need to do to make RTE a reality. Being an Awaaz Do Champion ensures you can play a role in supporting the implementation of the RTE. You can participate by volunteering at your local government school to help that school meet the requirements of the RTE. Schools need to have:
▪ Availability of separate toilets for boys and girls.
▪ Availability of drinking water and hand washing facilities.
▪ A playground for sports and play.
▪ A school library for the use of children and teachers.
▪ Mid-day meals for children with handwashing occurring before the meals.
A more detailed checklist is available at http://www.rtemonitoringcell.info/, a website hosted by
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). NCPCR is mandated with the responsibility for monitoring RTE. Feedback about whether or not the schools are implementing the RTE should be given to them.
In the interest of 8 million children who are out of school today, let us take a step forward and help the local government to achieve the norms and make RTE a reality.
Awaaz Do!
Urmila Sarkar
UNICEF India
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