Consider the following statements regarding the 'Right to Education' in India: 1. The Constitution guarantees the Right to Education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. 2. The Right to Education Act explicitly excludes the concept of equity in schooling facilities. 3. Activists have documented that schooling in India has achieved complete equality in terms of facilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation The Right to Education is a Fundamental Right enshrined in Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. It is legally operationalized through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21A mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. This provision elevates elementary education for this specific age group to the status of a Fundamental Right. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The RTE Act does not exclude equity; rather, it seeks to promote it. The Act establishes minimum norms and standards (Schedule to the Act) regarding infrastructure, teacher-pupil ratios, and learning environments to ensure that all schools meet a baseline of quality, thereby aiming for equity in schooling facilities. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational activists and reports consistently highlight that complete equality in schooling facilities has not been achieved in India. Significant disparities persist between urban and rural schools, as well as between public and private institutions, regarding infrastructure, teacher quality, and resources. Key Takeaway: Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years as a Fundamental Right, but the RTE Act’s goal of equitable quality in schooling facilities faces implementation challenges and has not yet resulted in complete equality.

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 5: Public Facilities

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Consider the following statements regarding the 'Right to Education' in India:

The Constitution guarantees the Right to Education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
The Right to Education Act explicitly excludes the concept of equity in schooling facilities.
Activists have documented that schooling in India has achieved complete equality in terms of facilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The Right to Education is a Fundamental Right enshrined in Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002. It is legally operationalized through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21A mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. This provision elevates elementary education for this specific age group to the status of a Fundamental Right.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The RTE Act does not exclude equity; rather, it seeks to promote it. The Act establishes minimum norms and standards (Schedule to the Act) regarding infrastructure, teacher-pupil ratios, and learning environments to ensure that all schools meet a baseline of quality, thereby aiming for equity in schooling facilities.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational activists and reports consistently highlight that complete equality in schooling facilities has not been achieved in India. Significant disparities persist between urban and rural schools, as well as between public and private institutions, regarding infrastructure, teacher quality, and resources.

Key Takeaway:
Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years as a Fundamental Right, but the RTE Act’s goal of equitable quality in schooling facilities faces implementation challenges and has not yet resulted in complete equality.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Public Facilities

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the 'Right to Water' and the Constitution of India?

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With reference to the judicial interpretation of the Right to Life in the context of water, consider the following 1. The right entitles every person to sufficient water for domestic use. 2. The water provided must be physically accessible and affordable. 3. The state is not obligated to prevent the contamination of water sources by private industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following assertions regarding 'Public Facilities': 1. Once a public facility is provided, its benefits can be shared by many people simultaneously. 2. The construction of a school or the supply of electricity are examples of facilities where the benefit is restricted to a single user. 3. Public facilities are essential services provided solely by the private sector in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the role of the government in the economy: 1. The government plays a central role in regulating economic activities through laws. 2. The government has no role in the enforcement of laws concerning working conditions in private factories. 3. The government is responsible for ensuring that public facilities are made available to everyone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following best defines the concept of 'Universal Access' in the context of public facilities?

easy

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Article 21A mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years. This provision elevates elementary education for this specific age group to the status of a Fundamental Right.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The RTE Act does not exclude equity; rather, it seeks to promote it. The Act establishes minimum norms and standards (Schedule to the Act) regarding infrastructure, teacher-pupil ratios, and learning environments to ensure that all schools meet a baseline of quality, thereby aiming for equity in schooling facilities.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational activists and reports consistently highlight that complete equality in schooling facilities has not been achieved in India. Significant disparities persist between urban and rural schools, as well as between public and private institutions, regarding infrastructure, teacher quality, and resources.