Author(s): Anuradha Yadav

Abstract: In 2009, India enacted the historic Right to Education (RTE) Act, mandating free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14. While representing a significant milestone toward universal literacy and social justice, its effective implementation remains challenging, particularly in rural regions. This study critically examines barriers that hinder rural children from realizing this fundamental right. Using a qualitative research approach, it identifies inadequate educational infrastructure, severe teacher shortages, and socioeconomic constraints such as poverty, gender inequality, and cultural norms prioritizing child labour over schooling. Structural problems including policy gaps, insufficient government funding, and lack of community awareness further contribute to poor educational quality and high dropout rates. Although the Act provides a strong legal framework, findings indicate that bridging the urban-rural divide requires context-specific strategies combining targeted policy interventions, community participation, and enhanced financial support. With a population exceeding 140 crores, India’s democratic governance has long recognized education as central to social, economic, and political development. Yet, despite numerous initiatives since the pre-independence era, educational outcomes have often deteriorated due to systemic shocks and shortcomings. The RTE Act sought to restore this by ensuring equitable access to quality elementary education for all, including marginalized and disadvantaged groups. It clearly defined the responsibilities of schools, teachers, parents, curriculum, evaluation, and student-teacher ratios, legally obligating state and local governments to meet prescribed standards. However, more than a decade later, evidence suggests progress remains below expectations. While enrolment and infrastructure have improved, the focus on quality education has weakened, leaving inaccessible populations still deprived. Given that nearly 69% of Indians live in rural areas with complex socioeconomic, cultural, and geographical challenges, implementation issues persist. This study therefore explores the significant obstacles in applying the RTE Act in rural India and emphasizes the urgent need for renewed, inclusive strategies to fulfill its promise.

DOI: 10.22271/civillaw.2025.v5.i2b.149

Pages: 109-115 | Views: 202 | Downloads: 128

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