UPSC Prelims 2006 Q94: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
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 76th 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 42nd Amendment, 1976 to the
Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2, only
- (c) 2 and 3, only
- (d) 1 and 3, only
Answer: (c) 2 and 3, only
Explanation
Education in the Constitution and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free and compulsory education (6-14) became a Fundamental Right by the 76th Amendment | False | It was the 86th Amendment (2002) that inserted Article 21A |
| 2. SSA seeks to provide computer education even in rural areas | True | Computer education is a component of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan |
| 3. Education was included in the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment, 1976 | True | It was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3, only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because the amendment was the 86th, not the 76th.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, and statement 3 is true.
- (c) CORRECT. SSA includes computer education and the 42nd Amendment moved education to the Concurrent List.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so this option fails.
Key point
The right to education was added by the 86th Amendment (2002), while the 42nd Amendment moved education to the Concurrent List and SSA includes computer education.
Remember
Right to education: 86th Amendment, Article 21A.
Common mistakes
- Quoting the 76th Amendment (reservation in Tamil Nadu) instead of the 86th.
- Forgetting that education was a State subject until 1976.
- Not knowing SSA's computer education component.
Exam tip
86th Amendment (2002) = Article 21A; 42nd Amendment (1976) = education to Concurrent List.
Sources
- Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002 (Article 21A)
- Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976 (transfer of education to the Concurrent List)
- Ministry of Education, Government of India — Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Framework for Implementation