RTE After a Decade: An Assessment of Bottlenecks and Some Ways Forward

The Right to Education (RTE) Act, implemented in 2010, was a landmark step towards ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Over the past decade, it has increased student enrollment, improved infrastructure, and raised awareness about the importance of education. However, significant challenges remain—high dropout rates, poor learning outcomes, lack of trained teachers, and inadequate school facilities. Many children, especially from marginalized communities, still struggle to get a quality education, while the privatization of schools raises concerns about inclusivity and accessibility.

Despite more children attending school, many are not learning effectively. Studies show that a large number of students in Class 5 struggle to read a Class 2 textbook or solve basic math problems. Schools often lack trained teachers, proper classrooms, and basic facilities like toilets and playgrounds. In some areas, government schools are shutting down or merging, forcing children to travel long distances for education. Meanwhile, private schools are expanding, but affordability remains a barrier for economically weaker families.

To truly fulfill the promise of RTE, the government needs to expand the Act’s coverage to children aged 3-18, improve teacher training, and ensure better monitoring of school performance. Timely funding, better school infrastructure, and community participation are also key to making education accessible for all.

Education is not just about attending school—it’s about empowering children with knowledge and skills for a better future. Strengthening the RTE framework can bridge gaps in learning, reduce inequality, and give every child a fair chance to succeed.

Keywords: Right to Education (RTE),  Free and Compulsory Education, Student Enrollment, Dropout Rates, Learning Outcomes, School Infrastructure, Teacher Shortages, Privatization of Education, Governance and Financing, Social Inclusion