Education Quality And Funding In Chennai: Constitutional Mandates Vs. Political Will
- IJLLR Journal
- May 3
- 1 min read
Samson Albert S, B.A., LLB (Hons), Vinayaka Mission’s Law School
ABSTRACT
Education is a key driver of individual and national development, fostering economic growth and strengthening democracy. The Indian Constitution recognizes this by making education a fundamental right through Article 21A, introduced in the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Additionally, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) emphasize the state’s responsibility to promote education, especially for marginalized communities.
Despite these constitutional provisions, educational quality and funding in Chennai face several challenges. While the city has a high literacy rate and some of India's best schools, government institutions struggle with inadequate infrastructure, outdated teaching methods, and teacher shortages. In contrast, private schools provide better resources and modern facilities but remain inaccessible to lower-income families due to high fees.
One of the major barriers to improving public education is insufficient and inefficiently allocated government funding. While initiatives like the Right to Education (RTE) Act, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have increased school enrollment, they have not significantly improved learning outcomes. Additionally, political interference in teacher recruitment, bureaucratic delays, and limited digital resources further hinder progress.
To bridge the gap between constitutional mandates and political will, stronger public investment, enhanced teacher training, modernized curricula, and better governance are essential. Public-private partnerships and NGO support can also help. Ensuring equal and quality education for all is vital for empowering future generations and fostering a more equitable society.
Keywords: Indian Constitution, Article 21A, Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002, high literacy rate, Right to Education (RTE) Act, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
