A New India
Chapter 244 - 244: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act

Stacks of files covered Rohan's desk, but one folder stood out, prominently marked: Blueprint: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.

It was a vision he had taken from the future rooted in the belief that education wasn't just a tool for individual growth but a foundation for a stronger, more equitable India.

Today, he was ready to take the first step by bringing Mira Chaudhary, the Education Minister, into the fold.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Rohan said.

Mira entered, her expression a mixture of curiosity and exhaustion.

The reforms she had been spearheading were progressing steadily but demanded every ounce of her energy.

She noticed the folder on Rohan's desk immediately.

"You called for me, Prime Minister?" she asked, taking a seat opposite him.

Rohan leaned back in his chair, his face serious yet calm. "Yes, Mira. I wanted to discuss the next phase of our education reforms. What we've done so far introducing minimum standards and reorganizing boards is significant. But it's not enough. We need something bigger, something that cements education as a fundamental right for every child in India. This," he said, sliding the folder toward her, "is the blueprint for that."

Mira opened the folder and began skimming its contents.

Her brow furrowed as she read the title: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.

She flipped through the pages, scanning the detailed framework and the legal provisions outlined within. "This is ambitious, Prime Minister," she murmured.

"Ambition is what drives progress," Rohan replied. "This act will make free and compulsory education a constitutional right for children aged six to fourteen. It will ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstances."

Mira looked up, her mind already racing with the logistical and legal implications. "How do you envision this working? The funding, the infrastructure, the implementation it's a monumental task."

Rohan nodded. "It is. But monumental tasks are what this nation needs. Let me walk you through the details."

He leaned forward, pulling out a summary sheet from the folder. "First, let's address the constitutional aspect. Currently, education is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 45, which urges the state to provide free and compulsory education for children up to the age of fourteen. However, the Directive Principles are not legally enforceable. To give this act the teeth it needs, we'll amend the Constitution."

Mira's eyes widened slightly. "You're talking about making it a fundamental right?"

"Exactly," Rohan said. "We'll introduce a new Article Article 21A under the chapter on Fundamental Rights. This article will make free and compulsory education for children a constitutional mandate, enforceable by law. Parents, schools, and local authorities will all be held accountable."

Mira tapped the edge of the folder, her mind processing the implications. "Prime Minister, constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Do we have the political capital for this?"

Rohan smiled faintly. "We have dont you worry, my prestige in the party is enough to make this pass but this isn't a partisan issue, it's a national one. Education cuts across party lines. We'll work with the opposition, involve state governments, and build consensus. I've already spoken to key allies, and they're on board."

Mira nodded slowly. "And what about legal challenges? This act will shift a significant portion of responsibility to the states. Some might argue it infringes on their autonomy, especially since education is on the Concurrent List."

Rohan anticipated this question. "We've consulted with constitutional experts on this. The Concurrent List allows both the center and the states to legislate on education. By making this a fundamental right, we're not bypassing the states, we're creating a framework that they can adapt to their local contexts. The center will provide funding and oversight, but implementation will remain with the states."

Mira leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "And the Directive Principles? Critics might argue that we're overstepping by elevating what was meant to be a guiding principle into a binding obligation."

"That's the point, Mira," Rohan said, his voice firm. "The Directive Principles are meant to guide us toward a just and equitable society. It's time we stop treating them as mere suggestions. This act fulfills the spirit of Article 45 by making it enforceable. It's a natural progression, not an overstep."

Mira flipped through the blueprint again, her eyes pausing on a section titled Implementation Framework. "This is where it gets tricky. Universal access to education will require massive investments, infrastructure, teachers, materials. How do we fund this? Even though we have built a lot of under gati Shakti but still."

Rohan pulled out a chart from the folder, placing it between them. "We'll take a multi-pronged approach. First, a significant portion of the central budget will be allocated to education. Second, we'll tap into international grants and loans UNESCO and UNICEF have already expressed interest in supporting large-scale education initiatives. Third, we'll incentivize private sector participation through public-private partnerships."

Mira nodded but remained skeptical. "Even with funding, implementation will be a nightmare. We're talking about building thousands of schools, recruiting and training teachers, and ensuring compliance in remote areas."

Rohan acknowledged her concern. "That's why the act includes specific provisions for accountability. Local authorities will be responsible for identifying out-of-school children and ensuring they're enrolled. Teachers will undergo mandatory training, and regular audits will monitor compliance. The act also includes penalties for non-compliance, whether it's parents failing to send their children to school or schools refusing to admit them."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "Penalties? Won't that create backlash, especially in conservative areas?"

"It might," Rohan admitted. "But the penalties are mild designed more as deterrents than punishments. The point is to create a sense of collective responsibility. Education is not just a privilege; it's a duty."

She turned to another section of the blueprint and pointed to the provision for free materials. "Textbooks, uniforms, midday meals all of this is necessary, but it's also expensive. How do we ensure states don't cut corners?"

Rohan leaned back in his chair, his tone reflective. "That's where central oversight comes in. States will receive grants tied to specific milestones school construction, enrollment rates, teacher recruitment. These milestones will be monitored by a central regulatory body."

Mira closed the folder and looked at him. "Prime Minister, this is bold possibly the boldest education reform this country has ever seen. If we get it right, it will transform India. But the challenges are immense."

Rohan's gaze was steady. "That's why I need you, Mira. You've already proven you can move through resistance and drive change. This blueprint is just the beginning. You'll refine it, rally the ministry, and build the momentum we need."

She smiled faintly, sensing his confidence in her. "I'll do my best, Prime Minister. But you should know, it's your vision that inspires this work. Without your leadership, none of this would be possible."

Rohan's expression softened. "It's not about me, Mira. It's about the millions of children who deserve a better future. Now go. We have a nation to educate."