Question

The Right to Education was made a Fundamental Right by:

• A. 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act
• B. 44th Constitutional Amendment Act
• C. 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act
• D. 86th Constitutional Amendment Act

Hint:

86th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002):

• Article 21A = Fundamental Right to Education.

• Article 45 = Early childhood care and education.

• Article 51A(k) = Duty of parents to provide education.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Education was originally a Directive Principle under Article 45. The Supreme Court later recognized education as part of the Right to Life under Article 21, leading to a constitutional amendment.

Step 1: Identify the amendment. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, introduced major changes relating to education.

Step 2: Understand the provisions inserted.

• Article 21A was inserted, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years.

• Article 45 was modified.

• Article 51A(k) was inserted as a Fundamental Duty of parents and guardians.

Step 3: Compare with other amendments.

• 42nd Amendment: Added Fundamental Duties and amended the Preamble.

• 44th Amendment: Modified Emergency provisions.

• 73rd Amendment: Constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Hence, the Right to Education became a Fundamental Right through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act. Therefore, Option (D) is correct.