The Right to Education Act was a remarkable achievement despite its shortcomings, Vice President Hamid Ansari said on Monday, even as he lamented that government financing for education was insufficient. Despite the shortcomings in its implementation, the Right to Education Act remains a remarkable achievement, Ansari said addressing the National Stocktaking Convention organised by the Right to Education Forum.
While concerns regarding privatisation of education remain, the Act offers a first step towards an educational system in India that provides access, equity and inclusion for all children, he said. He also expressed concern over the decline in state funding of education. The decline in state funding in the key social sector programmes, including education, is of particular concern. Public services like education are the key to nurture participatory growth. Financing for Right to Education remains inadequate, Ansari said. Total public expenditure for education, at less than 3.5 percent of GDP, is well below the 6 percent commitment made in the National Education Policies, he said.
While concerns regarding privatisation of education remain, the Act offers a first step towards an educational system in India that provides access, equity and inclusion for all children, he said. He also expressed concern over the decline in state funding of education. The decline in state funding in the key social sector programmes, including education, is of particular concern. Public services like education are the key to nurture participatory growth. Financing for Right to Education remains inadequate, Ansari said. Total public expenditure for education, at less than 3.5 percent of GDP, is well below the 6 percent commitment made in the National Education Policies, he said.
