Compliance with Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
For School-Level Education – VSOS
Objective
To ensure that the VSOS model aligns with the **RTE Act, 2009**, by providing equitable access to quality education for children aged 6 to 14 years, with flexible pathways for mainstream and non-traditional learners.
Legal Framework Referenced
- **RTE Act, 2009:** Ensures free and compulsory education for children 6–14 years.
- **Section 2(n):** Defines "school" including open schooling systems recognized by the government.
- **NEP 2020:** Emphasizes open, flexible learning and inclusive education.
Compliance Areas & VSOS Provisions
| RTE Provision | VSOS Compliance Action |
|---|---|
| Free & Compulsory Education (Sec. 3) | VSOS provides no-fee programs for underprivileged learners through scholarship support & CSR-funded education models. |
| Non-Discrimination (Sec. 8 & 9) | Admission open to all without discrimination. Inclusive curriculum accommodates students from diverse social, economic, and learning backgrounds. |
| Curriculum Conformity (Sec. 29) | Curriculum aligned with NCERT, NCF 2005/2023, and adapted to the local context and life skills. |
| Recognition of Schools (Sec. 18) | All VSOS affiliated centers shall seek recognition from appropriate government authorities as Open Schooling Units. |
| Infrastructure Norms (Schedule of RTE Act) | Study Centers under VSOS follow minimum infrastructure norms, including safe premises, sanitation, ICT support, and inclusive accessibility. |
| Inclusive Education for CWSN | Special educators, assistive devices, and remote learning support provided for **Children With Special Needs (CWSN)**. |
| School Management Committees (Sec. 21) | Each VSOS-affiliated center forms a Local Education Advisory Committee, ensuring representation from parents and civil society. |
| Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) | VSOS adopts competency-based evaluations, with progress tracking and flexible assessments instead of year-end exams only. |
Target Groups under RTE-Compliant Programs
- Drop-outs from government/private schools
- Children with disabilities needing flexible education
- Children in remote/rural areas with limited school access
- Working children, child labor survivors, or those in vocational environments
- Girls and marginalized children (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities)
Monitoring & Implementation Mechanisms
- Academic Monitoring by VSOS Quality Assurance Cell
- Field Inspections and reports from Regional Directors
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism under the Child Rights Protection framework
- Coordination with State SSA & Education Departments
Compliance Documents Maintained
- Affidavits of adherence to RTE norms by all affiliated study centers
- Student enrollment and attendance data
- Curriculum structure and evaluation reports
- Inclusive education implementation plan
- Recognition status and MoUs with state governments (if applicable)
Summary
VSOS is committed to ensuring that school-level education remains accessible, inclusive, and legally compliant, especially for underserved and vocational learners. Through community-linked schooling, flexible schedules, and recognition frameworks, VSOS bridges the formal education gap while adhering to RTE norms.