Consider the following statements about free and compulsory education — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2006

Consider the following statements:

1. Free and compulsory education to the children of 6–14 years age group by the State was made a Fundamental Right by the 76^th Amendment to the Constitution of India.
2. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan seeks to provide computer education even in rural areas.
3. Education was included in the Concurrent List by the 42^nd Amendment, 1976 to the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Explanation

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years of age was made a Fundamental Right through the 86^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, which inserted Article 21A, and not by the 76^th Amendment.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) aimed to universalise elementary education and included initiatives to promote computer education, particularly in rural and educationally backward areas.
• Statement 3 is correct: Education was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to enact laws on the subject.

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only