Which Article deals with 'Education for All?

The correct answer is Article 45.

Key Points

• Article 45 of the Indian Constitution deals with the provision of free and compulsory education for children.
• It mandates the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children until they complete the age of 14 years.
• This article is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which are guidelines for the central and state governments to follow.
• Article 45 was amended by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, which inserted Article 21A making education a fundamental right.
• The Right to Education Act, 2009, operationalizes Article 21A and ensures the provision of education to children in the age group of 6 to 14 years.

Additional Information

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
  • DPSP are guidelines for the framing of laws by the government, and they are not enforceable by any court.
  • They are contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36-51).
  • The DPSP aim to create social and economic conditions under which citizens can lead a good life.
  • They also aim to establish social and economic democracy through a welfare state.
• 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
  • This amendment inserted Article 21A in the Constitution, making education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.
  • It also changed the subject matter of Article 45 to focus on early childhood care and education for children below the age of six years.
  • Article 51A(k) was added, making it a fundamental duty of parents to provide opportunities for education to their children aged 6 to 14 years.
• Right to Education Act, 2009
  • This Act mandates free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years.
  • It requires all private schools to reserve 25% of seats for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
  • The Act ensures that children are not required to pay any fee or expenses that may prevent them from pursuing and completing elementary education.
  • The Act also lays down norms and standards related to pupil-teacher ratios, buildings and infrastructure, school working days, and teacher working hours.