Updated on Thursday, July 02, 2009, 19:28 IST

New Delhi, July 02: A Bill seeking to make free and compulsory education to children in the 6-14 age group a fundamental right will be placed before current session of Parliament.

The Right to Education Bill was cleared today by the Union Cabinet after incorporating certain changes in the original draft as suggested by the Standing Committee, sources said.

Once the Bill becomes a law, it will make free and compulsory education a fundamental right.

The Act provides for 25 per cent reservation of seats in private schools for poor children in neighbourhood. The government would reimburse the money at government rate towards these seats.

The Bill prohibits payment of donations or capitation fees or interviewing the child or parents as part of a screening procedure.

The financial burden to implement the Bill will be shared between states and Centre. A school can be fined up to Rs one lakh if not recognised by a regulating body.

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has said that the government was committed to implement 25 per cent quota in private schools for poor students as proposed in the Bill.

Bureau Report