Draw a small chart to show the process of how RTE became an act. What do you think the process would be if RTE had been tabled in the Lok Sabha?
The chart should show the following process:
- 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 (mandating education as a Fundamental Right under Article 21A)
- Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha
- Committee study and modifications
- Debates on funding concerns
- Passage in Lok Sabha (August 2009)
- Presidential assent
- Became the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
If RTE had been tabled first in the Lok Sabha, the process would have been similar but the order would reverse: introduction in Lok Sabha, passage there, then consideration by Rajya Sabha, and finally Presidential assent. The key stages remain the same regardless of which House introduces the bill.
Explanation
The chapter provides the journey of RTE from bill to act, including the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002, tabling in Rajya Sabha, committee study, debates on funding, and final passage in 2009. The diagram on page 9 shows the general process: Introduction in either House → Reading of the bill → Referred to Standing Committee → Vote on the Bill → Clause-by-clause discussion and amendments voted → Taken up for consideration and passing → Process repeated in other House → Presidential assent → Gazette notification.
Solution Steps
86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 mandated education as a Fundamental Right under Article 21A
Bill was tabled in Rajya Sabha
Committee study and modifications were conducted
Debates on funding concerns took place
Passage in Lok Sabha occurred in August 2009
Presidential assent was granted
Became the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009