Section 12 1 c RTE Act 2009 embeds fraternity common local neighborhood school inclusion

The statutory mandate under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 reserving twenty-five percent entry-level seats in private unaided neighbourhood schools for children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups is a constitutional strategy to operationalise fraternity, equality of status, and social integration. Neighborhood schools function as common civic spaces that break down class, caste, and gender hierarchies, fostering co-existence and mutual respect during formative years. Implementing this twenty-five percent inclusion is a national mission and a positive constitutional obligation binding all duty bearers, including governments, local authorities, schools, parents, and the judiciary. (Dinesh Biwaji Ashtikar v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. | 2026 INSC 56)