While addressing the inaugural session of the 58th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal suggested that the Right to Education (RTE) be extended to the higher secondary level, which in turn will provide more avenues for children emerging from their elementary education.

Sibal said: “The RTE should be extended up to higher secondary level as it will ensure bringing down drop-out rates and would provide value to children through the educational process.”

The current RTE law makes it mandatory for governments to provide free and compulsory education to any child between the age of six to 14 years until they complete their elementary education.

Sibal also shared his views that the critical challenges the nation faces today are to develop, recognize and enhance skills in youth so they in turn can be productive members of society and the economy.

In closing, the minister asked the state governments to reduce the number of colleges affiliated to universities.