Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding expulsion of children from schools admitted under the Right to Education Act, 2009 in India?
(a) No child can be expelled until the completion of education up to Class VIII.

(b) Expulsion is permitted under private unaided schools but not in government schools until the completion of Class X.

(c)  No child can be expelled except on grounds related to lack of age proof.
Choose the correct answer.

Correct Answer: (c) Only (a)

Explanation:
Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, Section 16 clearly states that no child shall be held back or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education, which covers Classes I to VIII. Therefore, statement A is correct.

Information Booster:
The RTE Act, 2009 gives legal backing to Article 21A of the Constitution, making education a fundamental right for children aged 6–14 years. The provision of no detention and no expulsion was introduced to reduce dropouts and ensure universal elementary education.

Statement B: Incorrect because the RTE Act applies uniformly to government and private unaided schools (except minority institutions) and the protection is only up to Class VIII, not Class X.

Statement C: Incorrect because lack of age proof is not a valid ground for expulsion under the RTE Act; admission cannot be denied or cancelled for this reason.

Hence, options involving statements (b) or (c) are incorrect.