People's Democracy

THE Lok Sabha passed the 93rd constitutional amendment bill on November 28. During the debate, the CPI(M) argued for strengthening its provisions to make the fundamental right to education meaningful.

The CPI(M) and most of the opposition parties wanted that the public provision of education for all children should not be restricted from age 6 to 14. Instead, they wanted education for all children upto the age of 14 years, which would cover children below the age of 6 too. Samik Lahiri, CPI(M) MP, moved an amendment to this effect. He pressed for a division on his amendment, which is as follows:

"The state shall ensure provision of free, equitable and quality education for all children until they complete the age of fourteen years."

The amendment got 109 votes in support and 242 against.

Another amendment moved by Lahiri was also put to vote. This was to change the clause that parents will be responsible for educating their children. Instead, the parent or guardian must "inspire and encourage the child to receive education." This amendment also received 109 votes in favour and 242 against. The bill was passed after these and other amendments were defeated. (INN)