 New Delhi : February 26, 2010 will see Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the Parliament's floor presenting the general budget where lakhs of students would be eyeing on the funds allocated for the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which would come into play from April 1, 2010.
According to a government official, school education will continue to get the priority with the minister promising to provide enough funds for the education law. The government's estimate for the implementation of the education law over the period of five years is more than Rs.150, 000 crore with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and mid-day meal scheme expecting a higher allocation in the new fiscal. "It is expected that the budget will mark the launch of the RTE," said an official from the government on the condition of anonymity.
The allocation of funds for the implementation of RTE Act gains importance as it aims to provide the children aged between 6 to 14 years with their fundamental right to free and compulsory education. The Bill also earmarks 25 per cent seats to weaker sections in private schools. The Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Kapil Sibal described this as the landmark legislation of the government towards literate India. He further said that the bill is a "historic opportunity" for the future of children who are the harbingers of the 21st century of our country. He asserted that, "We as a nation cannot afford these children not attending schools."
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