Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

Chapter I: Preliminary 1. Short title, extent and commencement.- 1. This Act may be called the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. 2.  It shall extend to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. 3.  It shall come into force on such 1date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-- a. "appropriate Government" means-- i. in relation to a school established, owned or controlled by the Central Government, or the administrator of the Union territory, having no legislature, the Central Government; ii. in relation to a school, other than the school referred to in sub-clause (i), established within the territory of-- A. a State, the State Government; B. a Union territory having legislature, the Government of that Union territory; a. b. "capitation fee" means any kind of donation or contribution or payment other than the fee notified by the school; c. "child" means a male or female child of the age of six to fourteen years; d. "child belonging to disadvantaged group" means a child belonging to the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe, the socially and educationally backward class or such other group having disadvantage owing to social, cultural, economical, geographical, linguistic, gender or such other factor, as may be specified by the appropriate Government, by notification; e. "child belonging to weaker section" means a child belonging to such parent or guardian whose annual income is lower than the minimum limit specified by the appropriate Government, by notification; f. "elementary education" means the education from first class to eighth class; g. "guardian", in relation to a child, means a person having the care and custody of that child and includes a natural guardian or guardian appointed or declared by a court or a statute; h. "local authority" means a Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council or Zila Parishad or Nagar Panchayat or Panchayat, by whatever name called, and includes such other authority or body having administrative control over the school or empowered by or under any law for the time being in force to function as a local authority in any city, town or village; i. "National Commission for Protection of Child Rights" means the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights constituted under section 3 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (4 of 2006); j. "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette; k. "parent" means either the natural or step or adoptive father or mother of a child; l. "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; m. "Schedule" means the Schedule annexed to this Act; n. "school" means any recognised school imparting elementary education and includes-- i. a school established, owned or controlled by the appropriate Government or a local authority; ii. an aided school receiving aid or grants to meet whole or part of its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority; iii. a school belonging to specified category; and iv. an unaided school not receiving any kind of aid or grants to meet its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority; a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. "screening procedure" means the method of selection for admission of a child, in preference over another, other than a random method; p. "specified category", in relation to a school, means a school known as Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sainik School or any other school having a distinct character which may be specified, by notification, by the appropriate Government; q. "State Commission for Protection of Child Rights" means the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights constituted under section 3 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (4 of 2006).

Chapter II: Right to Free and Compulsory Education 3. Right of child to free and compulsory education.- 1. Every child of the age of six to fourteen years shall have a right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till completion of elementary education. 2.  For the purpose of sub-section (1), no child shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent him or her from pursuing and completing the elementary education: Provided that a child suffering from disability, as defined in clause (i) of section 2 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection and Full Participation) Act, 1996 (1 of 1996), shall have the right to pursue free and compulsory elementary education in accordance with the provisions of Chapter V of the said Act.

for children not admitted to, or who have not completed, elementary education.- Where a child above six years of age has not been admitted in any school or though admitted, could not complete his or her elementary education, then, he or she shall be admitted in a class appropriate to his or her age: Provided that where a child is directly admitted in a class appropriate to his or her age, then, he or she shall, in order to be at par with others, have a right to receive special training, in such manner, and within such time-limits, as may be prescribed: Provided further that a child so admitted to elementary education shall be entitlted to free education till completion of elementary education even after fourteen years.

to other school.- 1. Where in a school, there is no provision for completion of elementary education, a child shall have a right to seek transfer to any other school, excluding the school specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of clause (n) of section 2, for completing his or her elementary education. 2.  Where a child is required to move from one school to another, either within a State or outside, for any reason whatsoever, such child shall have a right to seek transfer to any other school, excluding the school specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of clause (n) of section 2, for completing his or her elementary education. 3.  For seeking admission in such other school, the Head-teacher or in-charge of the school where such child was last admitted, shall immediately issue the transfer certificate: Provided that delay in producing transfer certificate shall not be a ground for either delaying or denying admission in such other school: Provided further that the Head-teacher or in-charge of the school delaying issuance of transfer certificate shall be liable for disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to him or her.

Chapter III: Duties of Appropriate Government, Local Authority and Parents 6. Duty of appropriate Government and local authority to establish school.- For carrying out the provisions of this Act, the appropriate Government and the local authority shall establish, within such area or limits of neighbourhood, as may be prescribed, a school, where it is not so established, within a period of three years from the commencement of this Act.

financial and other responsibilities.- 1. The Central Government and the State Governments shall have concurrent responsibility for providing funds for carrying out the provisions of this Act. 2.  The Central Government shall prepare the estimates of capital and recurring expenditure for the implementation of the provisions of the Act. 3.  The Central Government shall provide to the State Governments, as grants-in-aid of revenues, such percentage of expenditure referred to in sub-section (2) as it may determine, from time to time, in consultation with the State Governments. 4. The Central Government may make a request to the President to make a reference to the Finance Commission under sub-clause (d) of clause (3) of article 280 to examine the need for additional resources to be provided to any State Government so that the said State Government may provide its share of funds for carrying out the provisions of the Act. 5.  Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4), the State Government shall, taking into consideration the sums provided by the Central Government to a State Government under sub-section (3), and its other resources, be responsible to provide funds for implementation of the provisions of the Act. 6. The Central Government shall-- a. develop a framework of national curriculum with the help of academic authority specified under section 29; b. develop and enforce standards for training of teachers; c. provide technical support and resources to the State Government for promoting innovations, researches, planning and capacity building.

appropriate Government.- The appropriate Government shall-- a. provide free and compulsory elementary education to every child: Provided that where a child is admitted by his or her parents or guardian, as the case may be, in a school other than a school established, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or a local authority, such child or his or her parents or guardian, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to make a claim for reimbursement of expenditure incurred on elementary education of the child in such other school. Explanation-- The term "compulsory education" means obligation of the appropriate Government to-- i. provide free elementary education to every child of the age of six to fourteen years; and ii. ensure compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by every child of the age of six to fourteen years; a. b. ensure availability of a neighbourhood school as specified in section 6; c. ensure that the child belonging to weaker section and the child belonging to disadvantaged group are not discriminated against and prevented from pursuing and completing elementary education on any grounds; d. provide infrastructure including school building, teaching staff and learning equipment; e. provide special training facility specified in section 4; f. ensure and monitor admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by every child; g. ensure good quality elementary education conforming to the standards and norms specified in the Schedule; h. ensure timely prescribing of curriculum and courses of study for elementary education; and i. provide training facility for teachers.

authority.- Every local authority shall-- a. provide free and compulsory elementary education to every child: Provided that where a child is admitted by his or her parents or guardian, as the case may be, in a school other than a school established, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or a local authority, such child or his or her parents or guardian, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to make a claim for reimbursement of expenditure incurred on elementary education of the child in such other school; a. b. ensure availability of a neighbourhood school as specified in section 6; c. ensure that the child belonging to weaker section and the child belonging to disadvantaged group are not discriminated against and prevented from pursuing and completing elementary education on any grounds; d. maintain records of children up to the age of fourteen years residing within its jurisdiction, in such manner as may be prescribed; e. ensure and monitor admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by every child residing within its jurisdiction; f. provide infrastructure including school building, teaching staff and learning material; g. provide special training facility specified in section 4; h. ensure good quality elementary education conforming to the standards and norms specified in the Schedule; i. ensure timely prescribing of curriculum and courses of study for elementary education; j. provide training facility for teachers; k. ensure admission of children of migrant families; l. monitor functioning of schools within its jurisdiction; and m. decide the academic calendar

and guardian.- It shall be the duty of every parent or guardian to admit or cause to be admitted his or her child or ward, as the case may be, to an elementary education in the neighbourhood school.

Government to provide for pre-school education.- With a view to prepare children above the age of three years for elementary education and to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years, the appropriate Government may make necessary arrangement for providing free pre-school education for such children

Chapter IV: Responsibilities of Schools and Teachers 12. Extent of school's responsibility for free and compulsory education.- 1. For the purposes of this Act, a school,-- a. specified in sub-clause (i) of clause (n) of section 2 shall provide free and compulsory elementary education to all children admitted therein; b. specified in sub-clause (ii) of clause (n) of section 2 shall provide free and compulsory elementary education to such proportion of children admitted therein as its annual recurring aid or grants so received bears to its annual recurring expenses, subject to a minimum of twenty-five per cent.; c. specified in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of clause (n) of section 2 shall admit in class I, to the extent of at least twenty-five per cent. of the strength of that class, children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group in the neighbourhood and provide free and compulsory elementary education till its completion: Provided further that where a school specified in clause (n) of section 2 imparts pre-school education, the provisions of clauses (a) to (c) shall apply for admission to such pre-school education. 1. 2.  The school specified in sub-clause (iv) of clause (n) of section 2 providing free and compulsory elementary education as specified in clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall be reimbursed expenditure so incurred by it to the extent of per-child-expenditure incurred by the State, or the actual amount charged from the child, whichever is less, in such manner as may be prescribed: Provided that such reimbursement shall not exceed per-child-expenditure incurred by a school specified in sub-clause (i) of clause (n) of section 2: Provided further that where such school is already under obligation to provide free education to a specified number of children on account of it having received any land, building, equipment or other facilities, either free of cost or at a concessional rate, such school shall not be entitled for reimbursement to the extent of such obligation. 1. 2. 3.  Every school shall provide such information as may be required by the appropriate Government or the local authority, as the case may be

and screening procedure for admission.- 1. No school or person shall, while admitting a child, collect any capitation fee and subject the child or his or her parents or guardian to any screening procedure. 2.  Any school or person, if in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1),-- a. receives capitation fee, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten times the capitation fee charged; b. subjects a child to screening procedure, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees for the first contravention and fifty thousand rupees for each subsequent contraventions

admission.- 1. For the purposes of admission to elementary education, the age of a child shall be determined on the basis of the birth certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act, 1886 (6 of 1886) or on the basis of such other document, as may be prescribed. 2.  No child shall be denied admission in a school for lack of age proof

admission.- A child shall be admitted in a school at the commencement of the academic year or within such extended period as may be prescribed: Provided that no child shall be denied admission if such admission is sought subsequent to the extended period: Provided further that any child admitted after the extended period shall complete his studies in such manner as may be prescribed by the appropriate Government

holding back and expulsion.- No child admitted in a school shall be held back in any class or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education

physical punishment and mental harassment to child.- 1. No child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment. 2.  Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to such person

established without obtaining certificate of recognition.- 1. No school, other than a school established, owned or controlled by the appropriate Government or the local authority, shall, after the commencement of this Act, be established or function, without obtaining a certificate of recognition from such authority, by making an application in such form and manner, as may be prescribed. 2.  The authority prescribed under sub-section (1) shall issue the certificate of recognition in such form, within such period, in such manner, and subject to such conditions, as may be prescribed: Provided that no such recognition shall be granted to a school unless it fulfils norms and standards specified under section 19. 1. 2. 3.  On the contravention of the conditions of recognition, the prescribed authority shall, by an order in writing, withdraw recognition: Provided that such order shall contain a direction as to which of the neighbourhood school, the children studying in the derecognised school, shall be admitted: Provided further that no recognition shall be so withdrawn without giving an opportunity of being heard to such school, in such manner, as may be prescribed. 1. 2. 3. 4. With effect from the date of withdrawal of the recognition under sub-section (3), no such school shall continue to function. 5.  Any person who establishes or runs a school without obtaining certificate of recognition, or continues to run a school after withdrawal of recognition, shall be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contraventions, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.

standards for school.- 1. No school shall be established,, or recognised, under section 18, unless it fulfils the norms and standards specified in the Schedule. 2.  Where a school established before the commencement of this Act does not fulfill the norms and standards specified in the Schedule, it shall take steps to fulfill such norms and standards at its own expenses, within a period of three years from the date of such commencement. 3.  Where a school fails to fulfil the norms and standards within the period specified under sub-section (2), the authority prescribed under sub-section (1) of section 18 shall withdraw recognition granted to such school in the manner specified under sub-section (3) thereof. 4. With effect from the date of withdrawal of recognition under sub-section (3), no school shall continue to function. 5.  Any person who continues to run a school after the recognition is withdrawn, shall be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contraventions, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.

Schedule.- The Central Government may, by notification, amend the Schedule by adding to, or omitting there from, any norms and standards

Committee.- 1. A school, other than a school specified in sub-clause (iv) of clause (n) of section 2, shall constitute a School Management Committee consisting of the elected representatives of the local authority, parents or guardians of children admitted in such school and teachers: Provided that at least three-fourth of members of such Committee shall be parents or guardians: Provided further that proportionate representation shall be given to the parents or guardians of children belonging to disadvantaged group and weaker section: Provided also that fifty per cent. of Members of such Committee shall be women. 1. 2.  The School Management Committee shall perform the following functions, namely:-- a. monitor the working of the school; b. prepare and recommend school development plan; c. monitor the utilisation of the grants received from the appropriate Government or local authority or any other source; and a. b. c. d. perform such other functions as may be prescribed

Development Plan.- 1. Every School Management Committee, constituted under sub-section (1) of section 21, shall prepare a School Development Plan, in such manner as may be prescribed. 2.  The School Development Plan so prepared under sub-section (1) shall be the basis for the plans and grants to be made by the appropriate Government or local authority, as the case may be

for appointment and terms and conditions of service of teachers.- 1.  Any person possessing such minimum qualifications, as laid down by an academic authority, authorised by the Central Government, by notification, shall be eligible for appointment as a teacher. 2.  Where a State does not have adequate institutions offering courses or training in teacher education, or teachers possessing minimum qualifications as laid down under sub-section (1) are not available in sufficient numbers, the Central Government may, if it deems necessary, by notification, relax the minimum qualifications required for appointment as a teacher, for such period, not exceeding five years, as may be specified in that notification: Provided that a teacher who, at the commencement of this Act, does not possess minimum qualifications as laid down under sub-section (1), shall acquire such minimum qualifications within a period of five years. 1. 2. 3.  The salary and allowances payable to, and the terms and conditions of service of, teachers shall be such as may be prescribed

teachers and redressal of grievances.- 1. A teacher appointed under sub-section (1) of section 23 shall perform the following duties, namely:-- a. maintain regularity and punctuality in attending school; b. conduct and complete the curriculum in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 29; c. complete entire curriculum within the specified time; d. assess the learning ability of each child and accordingly supplement additional instructions, if any, as required; e. hold regular meetings with parents and guardians and apprise them about the regularity in attendance, ability to learn, progress made in learning and any other relevant information about the child; and f. perform such other duties as may be prescribed. 1. 2.  A teacher committing default in performance of duties specified in sub-section (1), shall be liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to him or her: Provided that before taking such disciplinary action, reasonable opportunity of being heard shall be afforded to such teacher. 1. 2. 3.  The grievances, if any, of the teacher shall be redressed in such manner as may be prescribed

Ratio.- 1. Within six months from the date of commencement of this Act, the appropriate Government and the local authority shall ensure that the Pupil-Teacher Ratio, as specified in the Schedule, is maintained in each school. 2.  For the purpose of maintaining the Pupil-Teacher Ratio under sub-section (1), no teacher posted in a school shall be made to serve in any other school or office or deployed for any non-educational purpose, other than those specified in section 27

vacancies of teachers.- The appointing authority, in relation to a school established, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or by a local authority, shall ensure that vacancy of teacher in a school under its control shall not exceed ten per cent/of the total sanctioned strength

deployment of teachers for non-educational purposes.- No teacher shall be deployed for any non-educational purposes other than the decennial population census, disaster relief duties or duties relating to elections to the local authority or the State Legislatures or Parliament, as the case may be

private tuition by teacher.- No teacher shall engage himself or herself in private tuition or private teaching activity

Chapter V: Curriculum and Completion of Elementary Education 29. Curriculum and evaluation procedure.- 1. The curriculum and the evaluation procedure for elementary education shall be laid down by an academic authority to be specified by the appropriate Government, by notification. 2.  The academic authority, while laying down the curriculum and the evaluation procedure under sub-section (1), shall take into consideration the following, namely:-- a. conformity with the values enshrined in the Constitution; b. all round development of the child; c. building up child's knowledge, potentiality and talent; d. development of physical and mental abilities to the fullest extent; e. learning through activities, discovery and exploration in a child friendly and child-centered manner; f. medium of instructions shall, as far as practicable, be in child's mother tongue; g. making the child free of fear, trauma and anxiety and helping the child to express views freely; h. comprehensive and continuous evaluation of child's understanding of knowledge and his or her ability to apply the same

completion certificate.- 1. No child shall be required to pass any Board examination till completion of elementary education. 2.  Every child completing his elementary education shall be awarded a certificate, in such form and in such manner, as may be prescribed

Chapter VI: Protection of Right of Children 31. Monitoring of child's right to education.- 1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights constituted under section 3, or, as the case may be, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights constituted under section 17, of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 (4 of 2006), shall, in addition to the functions assigned to them under that Act, also perform the following functions, namely:-- a.   examine and review the safeguards for rights provided by or under this Act and recommend measures for their effective implementation; b.   inquire into complaints relating to child's right to free and compulsory education; and c.   take necessary steps as provided under sections 15 and 24 of the said Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act. 1. 2.  The said Commissions shall, while inquiring into any matters relating to child's right to free and compulsory education under clause (c) of sub-section (1), have the same powers as assigned to them respectively under sections 14 and 24 of the said Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act. 3.  Where the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has not been constituted in a State, the appropriate Government may, for the purpose of performing the functions specified in clauses (a) to (c) of sub-section (1), constitute such authority, in such manner and subject to such terms and conditions, as may be prescribed

grievances.- 1. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 31, any person having any grievance relating to the right of a child under this Act may make a written complaint to the local authority having jurisdiction. 2.  After receiving the complaint under sub-section (1), the local authority shall decide the matter within a period of three months after affording a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned. 3.  Any person aggrieved by the decision of the local authority may prefer an appeal to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights or the authority prescribed under sub-section (3) of section 31, as the case may be. 4. The appeal preferred under sub-section (3) shall be decided by State Commission for Protection of Child Rights or the authority prescribed under sub-section (3) of section 31, as the case may be, as provided under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 31

National Advisory Council.- 1. The Central Government shall constitute, by notification, a National Advisory Council, consisting of such number of Members, not exceeding fifteen, as the Central Government may deem necessary, to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge and practical experience in the field of elementary education and child development. 2.  The functions of the National Advisory Council shall be to advise the Central Government on implementation of the provisions of the Act in an effective manner. 3.  The allowances and other terms and conditions of the appointment of Members of the National Advisory Council shall be such as may be prescribed

State Advisory Council.- 1. The State Government shall constitute, by notification, a State Advisory Council consisting of such number of Members, not exceeding fifteen, as the State Government may deem necessary, to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge and practical experience in the field of elementary education and child development. 2.  The functions of the State Advisory council shall be to advise the State Government on implementation of the provisions of the Act in an effective manner. 3.  The allowances and other terms and conditions of appointment of Members of the State Advisory Council shall be such as may be prescribed

Chapter VII: Miscellaneous 35. Power to issue directions.- 1. The Central Government may issue such guidelines to the appropriate Government or, as the case may be, the local authority, as it deems fit for the purposes of implementation of the provisions of this Act. 2.  The appropriate Government may issue guidelines and give such directions, as it deems fit, to the local authority or the School Management Committee regarding implementation of the provisions of this Act. 3.  The local authority may issue guidelines and give such directions, as it deems fit, to the School Management Committee regarding implementation of the provisions of this Act.

for prosecution.- No prosecution for offences punishable under sub-section (2) of section 13, sub-section (5) of section 18 and sub-section (5) of section 19 shall be instituted except with the previous sanction of an officer authorised in this behalf, by the appropriate Government, by notification.

action taken in good faith.- No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government, the State Government, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the local authority, the School Management Committee or any person, in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done, in pursuance of this Act, or any rules or order made thereunder

appropriate Government to make rules.- 1. The appropriate Government may, by notification, make rules, for carrying out the provisions of this Act. 2.  In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-- a. the manner of giving special training and the time-limit thereof, under first proviso to section 4; b. the area or limits for. establishment of a neighbourhood school, under section 6; c. the manner of maintenance of records of children up to the age of fourteen years, under clause (d) of section 9;\ d. the manner and extent of reimbursement of expenditure, under sub-section (2) of section 12; e. any other document for determining the age of child under sub-section (1) of section 14; f. the extended period for admission and the manner of completing study if admitted after the extended period, under section 15; g. the authority, the form and manner of making application for certificate of recognition, under sub-section (1) of section 18; h. the form, the period, the manner and the conditions for issuing certificate of recognition, under sub-section (2) of section 18; i. the manner of giving opportunity of hearing under second proviso to sub-section (3) of section 18; j. the Other functions to be performed by School Management Committee under clause of sub-section (2) of section 21; k. the manner of preparing School Development Plan under sub-section (1) of section 22; l. the salary and allowances payable to, and the terms and conditions of service of, teacher, under sub-section (3) of section 23; m. the duties to be performed by the teacher under clause (f) of sub-section (1) of section 24; n. the manner of redressing grievances of teachers under sub-section (3) of section 24; o. the form and manner of awarding certificate for completion of elementary education under sub-section (2) of section 30; p. the authority, the manner of its constitution and the terms and conditions therefor, under sub-section (3) of section 31; q. the allowances and other terms and conditions of appointment of Members of the National Advisory Council under sub-section (3) of section 33; r. the allowances and other terms and conditions of appointment of Members of the State Advisory Council under sub-section (3) of section 34. 1. 2. 3.  Every rule made under this Act and every notification issued under sections 20 and 23 by the Central Government shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or notification or both Houses agree that the rule or notification should not be made, the rule or notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or notification. 4. Every rule or notification made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made; before the State Legislatures.