Education For All – Critical Analysis In The Light of Article 21- A of The Constitution of India

Abstract

“Education for All” is a very important fundamental Right under Article 21-A of Indian Constitution that mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. This has been introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, and imposed responsibility on state in ensuring every child’s access to quality education. The right to education is not merely a legal provision but a Fundamental Human Rights essential for the development and progress of individual and societies. This right recognized universally as an essential element for personal development of civilization. The Right to education is recognized not only at national level but international level by way of enshrining in various international treaties, conventions and declarations including Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and The International Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Right to Education incorporate the principle that every individual regardless status or disability,eligible for primary education up to the age of fourteen years. Article – 21A, inserted by 86th Amendment Act 2002 in the Constitution of Indian which ensure that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen year. This Article provide base of the social justice to all section of the society. However despite widespread acknowledge of this right, millions of children, adolescents and adults still face formidable barriers to education. This article reflect various provision available in International conventions and the same has been strongly recommended and recognized by our law of land, in Article – 21 A of Indian constitution.