Exploring the Awareness of RTE Act, 2009 among D.El.Ed. and B.Ed. Teacher Trainees: A Study in Patiala District

Education is essential for both personal and societal growth, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, ensures every child has access to free and compulsory education. For teacher trainees, understanding the provisions of the RTE Act is crucial for its effective implementation and for promoting inclusive education. This research highlights the importance of RTE awareness among teacher trainees, who play a key role in bringing the Act into practice within classrooms. The study explores the awareness level of teacher trainees in Patiala District regarding the RTE Act, 2009. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess their knowledge of key provisions, including the rights of children, the responsibilities of teachers, and the role of the education system. Using a quantitative design, the study evaluated the awareness of 160 teacher trainees (80 Diploma in Elementary Education [D.El.Ed.] and 80 Bachelor of Education [B.Ed.]) through a self-developed tool, the RTE Literacy Evaluation Tool. The findings revealed that teacher trainees have a moderate level of awareness of the RTE Act, with some differences in awareness across the groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the B.Ed. and D.El.Ed. trainees.