Geneva (Switzerland): India on Friday said that it promotes values of equality, social justice, and democracy through inclusive education at the interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education during the 47th Session of UN Human Rights Council. The regular session is being held from June 21 to July 13, 2021.
"India is a diverse civilisation, which we celebrate. As the world's largest democracy, our laws and policies are anchored in promoting the values of equality, social justice and democracy through inclusive education," read the Indian statement under Agenda Item 3.
Agenda Item 3 deals with the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. Taking note of the report of the Special Rapporteur that emphasised the cultural dimensions of the Right to Education, India further reiterated the Constitutional provisions guaranteed by the country for inclusive education.
"Our Constitution has guaranteed cultural and educational rights to its linguistic and religious minorities, including the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. It directs state authorities to facilitate instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups," said the Permanent Representative of India to UN TS Tirumurti.
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"Since 2002, free and compulsory elementary education to all children, between six to fourteen years, has been made a fundamental right. Schools are required to admit at least 25 per cent of children from socio-economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups and the cost of the elementary education is reimbursed by the State," added Tirumurti.