Home The Constitution Part IVA Article 51A(k)

Art. 51A(k) Part IVA: Fundamental Duties

Provide Education to Your Child

Exact text — Constitution of India

(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years. [Added by the 86th Amendment, 2002]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

The most recently added duty (2002), and the only one directly paired with a specific Fundamental Right — Article 21A, added by the same amendment. It places a complementary duty on parents/guardians (to ensure their child actually attends school) alongside the State's own duty (under Article 21A) to provide free education.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why India's education framework has both sides covered: the State must provide free schooling (Article 21A, enforceable), and parents/guardians have a civic duty to make sure their child between 6-14 actually gets that education — together forming a more complete system than either provision alone.

Read alongside this one

Art. 21a — Right to Education

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 51A(k)

Can a parent be legally penalised for not sending their child to school?

This duty itself doesn't create a specific penalty for parents — the RTE Act's framework focuses primarily on the State's and schools' obligations, though state-level compulsory education enforcement varies.

← PreviousArticle 51A(j): Strive Towards Excellence in All Spheres of Activity Back toPart IVA Overview

The text above reproduces Article 51A(k) of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.