Scrapping No-Detention Policy

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Scrapping No-Detention Policy

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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.
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