What should be the student Teacher ratio at the upper primary level in schools under the Right to Education (RTE) act?

• The Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) for primary and upper primary schools, is laid down in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory (RTE) act, 2009.
• The PTR signifies the number of students for every one teacher. It is derived by dividing the total number of students by the total number of teachers.
• According to the Act, the PTR at the primary level is 30:1, while at the upper primary level the PTR is 35:1.

Salient features of RTE Act, 2009

• The act made free and compulsory education to children a fundamental right under Article 21-A.
• The Act aims to provide primary education to all children from 6 years age to 14 years age.
• The act made 25% reservation for SCs and STs, socially backward class, and differently-abled compulsory.
• The act stipulates norms and standards related to Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), Buildings and infrastructure, School-working days, Teacher-working hours.
• The act prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children, and private tuition by teachers.
• According to the act, the teachers shall be appointed with the requisite entry and academic qualifications.