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Scrapping No-Detention Policy
Context:
In a significant policy shift, the central government has abolished the no-detention policy in schools under its jurisdiction, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
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- Starting from the current academic session, students in Classes 5 and 8 can now be held back if they fail to meet promotion criteria.
- This decision impacts approximately 3,000 Central schools, including Sainik Schools and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which fall under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, respectively.
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved Academic Standards | Increased Dropout Rates |
| Accountability for Students | Stress and Pressure on Students |
| Recognition of Hard Work | Potential Disparities in Support |
| Preparation for Higher Classes | Focus on Examination Over Learning |
Revisiting the Right to Education Act
- The move follows the 2019 amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which granted states and Union Territories (UTs) the discretion to decide on retaining students in Classes 5 and 8.
- Over the years, 18 states and UTs have scrapped the no-detention policy, citing concerns over declining academic seriousness among students.
- The recent notification by the Ministry of Education has now extended this to Central schools by amending the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010.
- Under the revised rules, students in Classes 5 and 8 who fail their annual examinations will be provided additional instruction and the opportunity to take a re-examination within two months.
- If they fail to meet the promotion criteria after the re-exam, they may be held back.
- However, the policy emphasises competency-based evaluations to ensure holistic development rather than rote learning or procedural skills.
- The rules also place accountability on educators and schools.
- Teachers are required to guide detained students and their parents, addressing learning gaps through specialised inputs.
- School principals must maintain records of detained students and oversee their progress to ensure targeted support.
- Despite these changes, the rules uphold the provision that no child shall be expelled until the completion of elementary education.
The End of No-Detention: A Nationwide Trend
- The no-detention policy, introduced under Section 16 of the RTE Act, 2009, aimed to reduce dropout rates and guarantee a basic level of education for all children.
- However, critics argued that the policy diminished academic rigor and accountability.
- In 2016, the Central Advisory Board of Education recommended scrapping the policy, citing concerns that students were not taking their studies seriously.
- In response, the RTE Act was amended in 2019, enabling states to retain students in Classes 5 and 8 following a re-exam.
- Since then, states like Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, among others, have abolished the policy.
- However, several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra, continue to implement it.
- Haryana and Puducherry are yet to make a final decision on the matter.
- The abolition of the no-detention policy marks a pivotal moment in India’s education reform, reflecting growing calls for accountability and a renewed focus on learning outcomes in elementary education.
