Examining the Status of the Right to Education in Government Elementary Education in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched in 2002, followed by the incorporation of the Right to Education (Act) under Article 21A in Part III of the Constitution of India in 2009, made free and compulsory education a fundamental right for all children aged 6–14 years. With this, India embarked on the journey of achieving education for all. Both the Central and state governments are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Act. This study examines the changes experienced in the realm of elementary education in government schools of Himachal Pradesh from 2006 to 2016. A significant shift has been observed in government elementary education system across India, as the government has to ensure effective learning at this stage, besides ensuring the universalization of elementary education (UEE). For the purpose of analysis, the selected period is divided into two parts―before the enactment of the RTE Act 2009 (i.e., 2006 to 2009) and after its implementation (i.e., 2010 to 2016). The researcher has collected data for two broad indicators viz. human resource and physical infrastructure for the state of Himachal Pradesh. The data have been retrieved from the District Information System of Education (DISE) report published by the National Institute of Education Planning and Administration (NIEPA); the Elementary Education Department of the Government of Himachal Pradesh; the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, and the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by Pratham, an NGO. Physical and human resource play a vital role in ensuring quality education, while addressing the goal of equity and access. Indian states have moved at their own pace in achieving the goal of UEE. Thus, it would be worth exploring the case of Himachal Pradesh for understanding the trajectory of its journey in achieving UEE.