Indus Action’s Bright Spots Report 2023 Reveals Strides in Educational Equity
New Delhi: Indus Action, a leading non-profit organization, unveiled its Annual Bright Spots Report (BSR) 2023 highlighting the implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) Section 12(1)(c) across India. This law, enacted in 2009, mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections (EWS) and marginalized communities.
The BSR, launched in 2018, serves as a symbol of Indus Action’s dedication to capturing best practices and promoting equity within educational systems. Through careful data collection and analysis, the report provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of RTE Section 12(1)(c) implementation.
One of the key findings of the report is the enrollment of over 6 million students under the RTE Act, highlighting progress towards educational access and inclusion. However, the report also highlights persistent challenges, such as the lack of integration of reimbursement processes with the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) in most states, leading to inefficiencies.
Despite RTE Section 12(1)(c) being enacted a decade ago, only 18 states have implemented it as of February 2023. The report underlines the importance of transparency and online systems in effective implementation, citing high approval rates for reimbursement. States with online submission and monitoring processes.
Tarun Cherukuri, CEO of Indus Action, emphasizes the importance of identifying successful practices to inform policy decisions and enhance implementation strategies tailored to each state’s context. He stressed the possibility of another 6 million new admissions before 2030, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the impact of RTE Section 12(1)(c) across the country.
Indus Action calls for increased transparency, better data collection and practical policy measures to fully realize the potential of the RTE Act in promoting educational equity and reducing socio-economic disparities. The organization is committed to working with stakeholders to address the challenges and enhance the impact of RTE Section 12(1)(c) across the country.
The Bright Spot Report 2023 serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders invested in promoting educational equity and ensuring access to quality education for all.
