Examining the Multiple Choice Question : Is RTE Amendment the answer ?

On 4 May 2012, the Lok Sabha meets to pass the Right To Education amendment. But is the provision of home-based education going to translate into homebound education? Why have children with disabilities alone being targetted? Is it going to mean "out of sight = out of mind" yet again? We dont know the answers to these questions, but we framed some of our own! Contact Smitha of DRA for more inputs +919840630268 Also hear from the so-called "profoundly disabled" how inclusive education has transformed their lives - see EOD

What is home-based education? God knows. (Perhaps Kapil Sibal too?!) The RTE / amendment doesnt say! Nor does any other Indian law.

Is it education for gifted children being held behind by mainstream education? Is it home-schooling as in the case of 14 school year old IIT topper Sahal Kaushik? Or for children with learning difficulties like Sahals sister Saras? Or for children with chronic illnesses - with home-based extended to hospital-based education? Is it just another alternative to opt for if so preferred, as 14 year old Shreya Sahai argues in her ongoing PIL?

So is home-based education open to all? No. Only children with 80%+ disability as defined under the National Trust Act.

Wont such children require home-based education in any case? We cant say. The need of home-based education is a choice that should be expressed after mainstream education / inclusive education is tried and rejected (in favour of another method) as inappropriate by the child and guardian irrespective of ability / disability. Assuming that only children with profound disability will need home-based education is a legally imposed disability and a denial of equal opportunity. But all the amendment is stating is the option / right to choose by the parent... All parents? All children? No - just parents of children with profound disabilities.
LINKS Background material downloads A Wrong to Education : Profoundly Disabled People Have their Say