SDMC Coordinating Committee welcomes extension of RTE Act upto class 10 for SC/ST students

The decision to extend the RTE Act, 2009 to children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups is a progressive and auspicious step, says Niranjanaradhya VP, Education, SDMC Coordination Committee. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

The Coordination Committee of Karnataka School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) has welcomed the state government’s move to extend free and compulsory education to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) students up to class 10 under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Patron of the committee and educationist Niranjanaradhya VP said that the state government’s decision to extend the RTE Act, 2009 to children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups is a progressive and auspicious step. “It is neither against nor contrary to the basic provision of the law as it is a progressive step. There is no need to amend the mother law,” he added.

“Article 258 of the Constitution of India empowers the Union Government to delegate its executive functions and duties to the State Governments or their officers. It acts as an essential tool for cooperative federalism for effective implementation of policies and laws. Therefore, generally, gazette notification to extend the provisions of the Act under the delegated powers to make rules or gazette notification under administrative law is sufficient for effective implementation,” he said.

“Government may issue a notification to extend provision of free education to children from marginalized communities. Children studying in government and aided schools already get this benefit up to class 10,” he said.

Published – 24 May 2026 21:11 IST