Right to Education gets Prez's assent

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, which makes education a fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to 14 years, has come into force with the Presidential assent.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, which makes education a fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to 14 years, has come into force with the Presidential assent.

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"The Act has come into force after the President's assent. It has been notified also," a government official said.

President Pratibha Patil gave her assent on August 26 and the Act was notified the following day.

The Bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament during the Budget session.

The Act, one of the flagship programmes in the 100-day agenda of the UPA government, earmarks 25 per cent seats to weaker sections in neighbourhood schools. The government would reimburse the money at government rate towards these seats.

The law prohibits payment of donations or capitation fees or interviewing the child or parents as part of a screening procedure.

The financial burden to implement the Act will be shared between states and Centre. A school can be fined up to Rs one lakh if not recognised by a regulating body.