According to Section 8 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which of the following is NOT a duty of the appropriate government?

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) ensures every child aged 6 to 14 years has the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighborhood school. Under Section 8 of the Act, the appropriate government (Central or State) is assigned a set of duties and responsibilities to implement this right effectively.

Key Points

•  Guaranteeing reimbursement for transportation costs if children live more than 5 kilometers from school is not explicitly listed as a duty under Section 8 of the RTE Act.
• While accessibility is a concern, and governments are expected to provide schools within a reasonable distance, there is no specific legal obligation in Section 8 requiring reimbursement for transportation costs based on distance.  The focus is on providing schools nearby, not on financially compensating families for travel.
• Ensuring good quality education as per norms and standards is a core duty under Section 8.
• The provision of free and compulsory education in neighborhood schools is a foundational responsibility outlined in the Act.
• Monitoring admission, attendance, and completion of elementary education for all children, including those from disadvantaged groups, is specifically mentioned in Section 8 to ensure inclusivity.

Hence, the correct answer is Guaranteeing that children receive reimbursement for transportation costs if they live more than 5 Kilometres away from school.