• Pradeep B S

This paper is an effort to evaluate if universal free education in India is a myth or a reality. Provision of education to its citizens has been considered an important responsibility of the Government right from the early days of independence in India. Accordingly, States and Centre have been providing highly subsidized education through various schools and colleges. The Right to Education Act, 2009 mandated the provision of ‘free and compulsory’ education to each child up to the age of 14 years. This provision has been extended up to Secondary education in the recently unveiled NEP 2020. The new National Education Policy (NEP), approved by the Union Cabinet, seeks to align itself with the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all in the next 20 years. The policy has brought into its ambit children in the age group of 3 to 18 years. The fundamental right of equality clearly signifies that in the eyes of law no one can be discriminated on the basis of status, caste, sex, class or creed. Equal opportunities should be provided to everyone in the country including those related to education.

Key Words: Compulsory Education, NEP, Right to Education, Fundamental Rights

"UNIVERSAL FREE EDUCATION: REMAINED MYTH IN INDIA", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 11, page no.b216-b220, November-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2111127.pdf

"UNIVERSAL FREE EDUCATION: REMAINED MYTH IN INDIA", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 11, page no. ppb216-b220, November-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2111127.pdf