The Government of India on March 13, 2026, introduced a bill to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The proposed legislation titled the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2026 seeks to modify provisions relating to teacher qualifications and service conditions.
The bill proposes amendments to Section 23 of the Act to ensure that teachers appointed prior to the commencement of the Act are not required to acquire additional qualifications or pass new tests as a condition for continuation in service, promotion, seniority, or retirement benefits. It further clarifies that any new qualification requirements or tests prescribed under the Act will apply prospectively only to future appointments.
The amendment also introduces new Section 23A to safeguard the service conditions, promotional avenues, and retirement benefits of pre-existing teachers, ensuring they are not adversely affected by new qualification norms. Additional provisions empower the appropriate government to issue guidelines for teacher training, professional upgradation, and implementation of these safeguards.
[Notification No. Bill No. XXVII of 2026]
