Rajya Sabha passes Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2017 passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 that amends Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

The Bill extends the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment by 4 years.

The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 22 July 2017.

Key Highlights
• The Bill states that the teachers who do not possess the minimum qualifications as on 31 March 2015 will acquire the minimum qualifications within a period of four years, that is, by 31 March 2019.

• The teachers can get the prescribed qualification using the Swayam portal.

• Teachers will also be provided practical experience by the respective states.

• Under the scheme 'Swayam Prabha', teachers will not only be trained offline but also online and even through direct-to- home (DTH) television channels.

Background
According to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, a teacher, who did not possess minimum qualifications, was required to acquire them in five years.

The Act was enacted to provide free and compulsory education to all children between the age of six and 14 years.

However, the Union Government received requests from states for extension of the period to enable completion of the training process for in-service untrained teachers.