Bill inserts 'child with disability' into disadvantaged group definition

This Bill amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, to explicitly include children with disabilities (including those with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities) in the definition of disadvantaged groups. It also limits the powers of School Management Committees in minority institutions to an advisory role only.

Who it concerns: Children with disabilities, schools established and administered by minorities (based on religion or language), and School Management Committees.

What the bill does

• Inserts 'a child with disability' into the definition of 'child belonging to disadvantaged group' in Section 2.
• Defines 'child with disability' to include persons covered under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
• Omits the existing proviso in Section 3(2) and inserts a new sub-section ensuring children with disabilities have the same rights to free and compulsory elementary education as those under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
• Amends Section 21 to state that School Management Committees in minority institutions shall perform advisory functions only.
• Amends Section 22 to exclude School Management Committees of minority institutions from the requirement to prepare School Development Plans.

Also in the document

• The Bill is an amendment to an existing Act (Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009).
• The changes regarding minority institutions are justified by reference to Article 30 of the Constitution, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions.