Right of children to free and compulsory education Act, 2009, implementation and its influence on school DROPOUTS: A systematic literature review

‘Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009’ (RTE Act) was a revolutionary breakthrough in the Indian Education System to ensure free and compulsory education for all children aged 6 to 14. The Act includes specific provisions to ensure holistic elementary education for all children by mandating the education in the designated age group. Special provisions have been provided for children from the weaker sections to receive quality education from private unaided schools. It also encompasses interventions for children not admitted to schools and assigns duties and responsibilities to Parents, Teachers, the Local Authority, State Government, and the central government. Since its enforcement on 1st April 2010, the education system has witnessed progress in increased school enrolment, improved infrastructure, and inclusivity. On the other hand, there still continue to be violations, ineffective implementation, poor monitoring structure, dysfunctional grievance redressal, which contribute to the school dropouts. Children drop out even before completing their elementary education and it remains a persistent obstacle to achieving universal education to date. It impacts both the individual and societal well-being, as children who drop out face an increased threat of unemployment, an increased poverty rate, and a reduction in economic growth. This review critically examines the implementation gaps in the enforcement of the RTE Act and its influence on the school dropouts. This study highlights the violations at various provisions of the Act and how specifically it impacts the school retention. Further, it also highlights the peripheral factors that impeded the effectiveness of the Act. The study recommends a multifaceted approach for effective realisation of the Act through eliminating structural inequalities, strengthening community participation in schools, enhancing teacher capacities, enhancing data measurement and transparency, and advocating for policy reforms to reduce dropouts and ensure completion of school education up to 18 years.