Through which Constitutional Amendment was Article 21A introduced, mandating free and compulsory education as a Fundamental Right for children between 6 and 14 years of age?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. 86th Amendment Act.
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14. It also changed the subject matter of Article 45 (DPSP) and added a new Fundamental Duty under Article 51A.
Explanation of other options:
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42nd Amendment Act (1976): Known as the "Mini-Constitution," it added the words Socialist, Secular, and Integrity to the Preamble and introduced Fundamental Duties.
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93rd Amendment Act (2005): Enabled the state to make special provisions (reservations) for socially and educationally backward classes in admissions to educational institutions, including private ones.
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44th Amendment Act (1978): Enacted to nullify several provisions of the 42nd Amendment; it notably removed the "Right to Property" from the list of Fundamental Rights.