Laws and Other Basic Regulations Concerning Education

The Basic Education Law was promulgated in 1973.

According to Article 152 of the Constitution (1974), every citizen shall have the right to education and shall be given basic education which the State prescribes by law as compulsory. (See also: http://www.right-to-education.org).

The Myanmar Child Law was enacted in July 1993. Chapter IV (20) states that: (a) every child shall: have the opportunity of acquiring education; have the right to acquire free basic education (primary level) at state schools; (b) the Ministry of Education shall implement: a system of free and compulsory primary education; measures as may be necessary for regular attendance in schools and the reduction of untimely drop-out rates; arrangements for children who are unable for various reasons to attend State schools, to become literate. Implicit in the Law is the acceptance that education is a tool against poverty and an instrument for sustainable and equitable development. It is also accepted that Education for All is an important goal because education improves both the lives of children and the economic growth and social welfare of nations. (Ministry of Education, May 1999).

In principle, compulsory schooling covers the first five years of basic education (one year of kindergarten and Standards I–IV).