Project 21A

For the inclusive growth of a society, education is an effective tool for evolution and development rather than being a privilege. India had taken a step further by passing the Right to Education Act – 2009 and making free and compulsory education a fundamental right incorporated under Article 21A of the Indian constitution. The RTE Act, 2009 mandates free and compulsory education for all children between six to 14 years of age until they complete elementary education in a neighborhood school.

Section 12(1)(c) of this act mandates a 25% reservation for children from economically and socially weaker sections in private unaided non-minority schools.

Thus, it is mandatory for non-minority unaided private schools to keep aside at least 25% of their entry-level seats for children belonging to disadvantaged sections to create a more integrated and inclusive schooling system.

Current Scenario of Sec. 12 (1) (c) of Right to Education Act - 2009 in Jharkhand State:

• Improper implementation of this reservation across the country has been observed since the past few years and lack of awareness is one of the reasons, as a result, many seats remain vacant every year and people are being deprived of their rights. 
• Initially, focusing on the tribal-dominated state of Jharkhand it is found out that even after almost 10 years of implementation, the performance and implementation of RTE remains full of hiccups and numerous issues.
• In Jharkhand, section 12 (1) (c) of RTE Act - 2009 includes children belonging to weaker sections and children belonging to a disadvantaged group -

1. Children belonging to the weaker section whose parents have annual family income from all sources is less than 72 thousand rupees or have a BPL card.
2. Children belonging to Disadvantaged Group includes children belonging to,

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer)
• Children with Special Needs and suffering from a disability
• Orphans

 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 21A

1. To spread awareness about Article 21A and Right to Education Act - 2009, notably section 12 (1) (c) of RTE Act.
2. Using all means possible eg- audio/visual/inter and intrapersonal to spread information regarding the reservation of seats in private unaided schools for admission under section 12 (1) (c) of RTE Act - 2009 and convincing families to sign up for the same.
3. To encourage maximum participation in form filling for the seats under the Sec. 12 (1) (c) of Right to Education Act - 2009, and to ensure that the process is completed smoothly by arranging the necessary documents and completing all required technicalities and formalities or by filling forms on their behalf by their consent.
4. Undertaking surveys of various private unaided schools, students and underprivileged people for a better understanding of the ground reality and finding out the actual level of implementation of the RTE Act.
5. To prepare a report upon the current implementation levels and conditions of various schools under the RTE Act and suggest the areas of improvement.

APNA is an organization that champions this fundamental right and strives hard to make education accessible for these children who yearn to learn. Our volunteers have conducted large scale public campaigns and engaged strategically with institutions to spread awareness and reform education for the underprivileged. We have held meetups with schools & parents, conducted large scale public campaigns, door-to-door awareness campaigns, and initiated informal models of education and we continue to do so. From spreading awareness about the RTE act to helping parents in the documentation process till the completion of the admission, our volunteers work round the clock to meet the requirements.

However, this is only possible with your financial support. We want to be able to make a difference in as many lives as we can, so help us reach that goal and donate!