The Indian Government's recent decision to drop the long pending Right to Education Bill (RTE) and pass it on to the State Governments as a model bill, is a completely outrageous decision ignoring not only a fundamental right but also the genuine expectations of each and every citizen.

Education as a fundamental right cannot be denied in any democratic society. It is the duty of the Government to provide for and guarantee this fundamental right. Please demand that the Government fulfill its duties and the promises in its manifesto by signing on to this petition.

24th July 2006, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, witnessed a massive Protest Dharna at Jantar Mantar organized by "People's Campaign for Common School System".

Prominent educationists, social activists, grassroots workers, and mass organizations participated in the Dharna giving a new edge to the struggle for Equitable Quality Education through Common School System.

CPM member Brinda Karat reiterated that there is absolutely no logic in continuing the multi-track
The Dharna was represented by 12 states (Maharastra, Gujrat, Tamilnadu, Karnatka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan) of the country and more than 1000 participants coming from different social-political organizations as a mark of protest burnt the copy of Model 'Right to Education Bill 2006' as it is a shameless betrayal on the part of the central government from the solemn constitutional promise to the nation.

Lack of finances cannot be a legitimate reason to scuttle this bill especially when the common minimum program of the UPA government had promised 6% of the GDP for education. Speakers after speakers recalled the recommendations of the Education Commission (1964-66) set up by the Government of India and the promises made in the 1986 National Policy on Education that argued eloquently for restructuring the education system of the country by introducing a Common School System through genuine neighborhood schools.

Successive governments have failed to implement this undertaking and now unfortunately, under the influence of the international financial institutions they have, on the contrary, introduced features in the education system that comprehensively militate against the very concept of the Common School System.

The lack of funds is not a credible reason given other instances of Central Government spending:

· In the year 2004-05 an additional Rs. 5,010 crore was collected through the 2% education cess for funding universal basic education, but only Rs.2000 crore extra was spent for the purpose.

· The funds given in form of corporate subsidy (in terms of lost revenue generation) through the SEZ bill (which was passed in 2005) stands at Rs.90,000 crore as per finance ministry of India.

· Government has allocated Rs. 9,320 crore in 2005-06 for National highway Development Program (NHDP).

· Government has promised to spend an additional Rs.20,000 crore (estimated) on increasing seats in higher education institutions over the next three years.

These few instances indicate that government is given priority to other efforts, which are not fundamental rights, over Education and hence lack of funds is not a credible reason for shelving the bill. Government has the resources and if needed, can raise additional resources if the will is present and pressured into doing so.

FAQs on the Right to Education Bill and more information on the government’s withdrawal hold the government guilty of not only going back on its promises but also disregarding a critical need of people of India - a need whose fulfilment is necessary for growth of the nation. http://www.ashanet.org/campaigns/rte/