In an attempt to regulate madrasas and vedic schools further, the government is discussing the possibilities of bringing them under the ambit of the RTE. Religious seminaries might soon receive benefits such as mid-day meals, free books and uniforms.
Sreeparna Chakrabarty reports for The New Indian Express that students in madrasas and vedic schools are considered out of school, as they do not come under the Act. India is reported to have 40,000 madrasas and 50 vedic schools.
This was discussed in a recent meeting of State education secretaries as per the directive by Central Advisory Board of Education and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The recommendations will be forwarded to the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
The report also says that special schools and residential facilities for tribal children have also been sought.
According to RTE enacted in the year 2009, free and compulsory education is to be provided to children between the age of six and fourteen.