Parent's Guide to the Right to Education (RTE) Act
Comprehensive guidance for parents to understand and advocate for their child's educational rights
School Responsibilities under RTE Act
According to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, schools must fulfill these essential responsibilities:
Free Education
Provide free and compulsory education to children aged 6–14 years
No Discrimination
Ensure no discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or disability
Infrastructure
Maintain adequate classrooms, toilets, drinking water, and playgrounds
Qualified Teachers
Employ qualified teachers and maintain proper pupil-teacher ratios
Child-Friendly Curriculum
Implement appropriate curriculum without detention until Class 8
25% Reservation
Reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections
Community Involvement
Establish School Management Committees with parent participation
If Your Child is Denied Admission
If a child is denied admission, parents can take these step-by-step actions:
Approach the School
Discuss the issue directly with school authorities, citing the RTE Act provisions. Bring relevant documents and explain your child's eligibility.
Tip: Request the reason for denial in writing and keep records of all communications.
File a Formal Complaint
Submit a written complaint to the local education authority or District Education Officer (DEO) if the school doesn't respond appropriately.
Include: Child's details, school name, reason for denial, and supporting documents.
Seek Legal Assistance
If the issue remains unresolved, consult legal experts or NGOs specializing in education rights for professional guidance and support.
Resources: Many NGOs offer free legal aid for RTE-related cases.
Escalate to Higher Authorities
Approach the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) or State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) for intervention.
Contact: Both commissions have dedicated helplines and online complaint systems.