Making a Difference: Primary Education for Girls in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Acknowledging the difference an educated populace can make to national growth and development, the Constitution of India is committed to providing education for children in the 6-14 age group. The Constitution directs the State to provide free and compulsory education to all children in this age group. The Fundamental Rights seek to safeguard the citizens against any kind of discrimination and denial of opportunities on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. The Constitutional intent to provide education across the board to all children is reinforced by the empowerment of the State to make a positive discrimination in favour of women and children. This provision has enabled the State to adopt appropriate measures that are deemed necessary to redress the adverse circumstances of women and children.