BCI asks law institutes, school boards to include RTE Act guidelines in curriculum

NEW DELHI: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has asked the vice-chancellor of centres of legal education, and chairman and directors of school boards to comply with the regulations of the Right to Education Act 2009 (RTE). The council has asked the school boards and centres of legal education to either include the RTE Act guidelines in their curriculum and/or conduct workshops and seminars to spread awareness.

As per the RTE, the school boards, including CBSE, CISCE, UPMSP, GSEB, RSEB, HPBOSE and others, have to ensure that compulsory elementary education up to Class 8 for free and students receive essential elements such as uniforms, textbooks, and stationery items without any financial burden. Other responsibilities of the school boards are following:

• Maintain standards outlined by the RTE Act availability of amenities, proper classrooms, and separate toilets for boys and girls.
• Admit students who have dropped out of school for any reason, ensuring appropriate support for their academic catch-up.
• Maintain a proper teacher-pupil ratio.
• Ensure deployed teachers possess the necessary academic qualifications.
• Develop a curriculum that fosters the knowledge, talent, and human potential of students, aiming for their all-round development.
• Implement continuous comprehensive evaluation to enhance student performance and reduce detentions
• Establish a school management committee comprising various stakeholders to monitor proper school functioning and plan for future development.
• Adhere to the grievance redressal system, making sure that any non- compliance with regulations is promptly addressed
• Reserve 25% of seats for backward or economically weaker students, fostering social inclusion

Also read ‘Look at education from the bottom’: Why the Right to Education Act still matters

Inclusion of RTE in LLB curriculum

The BCI issued the circular following an order of Delhi high court, as per which the council has to consider the inclusion of the RTE Act as a compulsory subject in the LLB course curriculum. The order was given in a public interest litigation filed by the Social Jurist and ANR before the court. The BCI will take decision on the issue following the meeting of Advisory Board for Development of Legal Education and Legal Profession, which is chaired by the chief justice of India.

“The commitment to providing accessible and quality education to all, without discrimination, is fundamental to the collective progress of our society. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated,” the BCI said.