Right to Education using Human Rights Based Approach: A Policy Perspective for India

Abstract

This paper takes a look at Indian education policies and underscores the urgent need for a human rights approach. Though the Indian constitution gives its citizens the fundamental right to education with effect from 1 st April, 2010, whether the requirements of a rights based approach have been met is yet to be seen. Secondly, the paper will briefly analyze the present status of right to education in India to understand the drawbacks at policy level and identify the factors responsible. Thirdly, the paper will highlight the ways in which a rights-based approach can be adopted at the implementation level. Inspiration can be drawn from various countries which have given right to education to their citizens and are nearing universalization of elementary education. The right to education can be fully realized only if it is implemented with a concerted rights-based approach to education.