Introduction:
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land. It is a living document that has undergone several amendments since its adoption in 1950. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 was a significant amendment that added a new article to the Constitution.

Article 21A:
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added Article 21A to the Constitution of India. This article provides for the right to education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. It mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children in this age group.

Salient Features of Article 21A:
The following are the salient features of Article 21A:

- The article makes education a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
- It makes it mandatory for the State to provide free and compulsory education to all children in this age group.
- The article states that the State shall ensure that all educational institutions, whether they are run by the government or private entities, provide education that is of good quality and conforms to certain standards.
- The article also mandates that the State shall provide adequate facilities for the education of children, including infrastructure, teaching staff, and learning materials.
- The article places a responsibility on parents or guardians to ensure that their children receive education.
- The article provides for the appointment of a commission to monitor the implementation of the right to education.

Conclusion:
The addition of Article 21A to the Constitution of India was a significant step towards ensuring that every child in the country has access to education. It has helped in the expansion of educational opportunities and has contributed towards the overall development of the country. The implementation of this article has, however, posed several challenges, and there is a need for continued efforts to ensure that every child receives education of good quality.