The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Right to Education is a specific provision within Part III of the Constitution of India, introduced to ensure universal elementary education. It is governed by Article 21A and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.Statement 1 is Correct: The Right to Education is a Fundamental Right. It was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, as Article 21A.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. It does not extend this specific Fundamental Right to children up to the age of 18.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Right to Education places the primary obligation on the State (Government) to provide free and compulsory education. While Article 51A(k) assigns a Fundamental Duty to parents to provide opportunities for education, the mandate for provision, infrastructure, and funding lies with the government, not solely with the parents.
Key Takeaway: Article 21A mandates the State to provide free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years as a Fundamental Right.