‘Right To Education Bill’ - A Brief Summary

1. The long pending piece of legislation of right to education bill has reached the Rajya Sabha in 2008, and there are huge chances of approval by the parliament in coming months.
2. The bill aims at reserving 25% seats in private schools up to class 8th for students from financially weak backgrounds. Some doubts have been raised about the future of these students after class 8th, education will be free till that level in private schools once the bill is approved.
3. The bill also stipulates that no child anywhere in the country will be failed from class 1st to class 8th. Schools can do away with final exams till class 8th and assess students on a regular basis.
4. Coaching classes is the next pointer in the list, as these private classes have developed into a virtual parallel education, into the mainstream. The High Court has ordered setting up of a committee to regulate coaching classes. If the committee finishes its job this year, it would mean an end to these coaching classes.
5. The government has even proposed setting up a committee of ICSE, CBSE, and SSC board to review the system afresh.
6. A committee is appointed by the government to formulate the policy of decongest city roads that all children travel by school bus. Rest can walk or use public transport, but will not be allowed to use private vehicles.