Centre scraps no-detention policy for classes 5 and 8

The Union government scrapped the ‘no-detention policy’ for Classes 5 and 8 in schools governed by it allowing them to fail students who do not clear the year-end exams.

Key Highlights of the Policy Change:

• Applicability:
  • The revised rules apply to over 3,000 Central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools.
  • State governments, as education is a Concurrent subject, can independently decide whether to adopt the no-detention policy for their schools.
• Provisions for Detention:
  • If a student fails the year-end exams, they will:
    • Receive additional instruction and have the opportunity for a re-examination within two months.
    • Be promoted if they meet the criteria in the re-examination. Otherwise, they will be detained in Class 5 or Class 8.
• Protection Against Expulsion:
  • The government has clarified that no child shall be expelled from school until the completion of elementary education (up to Class 8).

Historical Context:

• Introduction of the No-Detention Policy (2009):
  • Enshrined in the Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009, the policy sought to ensure that children are not discouraged from attending school by fear of failure.
  • Under this policy, students were automatically promoted up to Class 8.
• Challenges:
  • Critics argued that the no-detention policy led to poor learning outcomes and low academic accountability.
  • Reports indicated that students were often promoted without mastering foundational skills, leading to high dropout rates in higher classes.
• Amendment to the RTE Act (2019):
  • The 2019 amendment allowed states and Union Territories to do away with the policy for Classes 5 and 8.
  • At least 18 states and UTs have since abolished the no-detention policy.

Legal and Constitutional Basis:

• Right to Education (Article 21A):
  • Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, Article 21A makes free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 a fundamental right.
• Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009:
  • Ensures the right to education and mandates universal access, equity, and quality in education.
  • The recent policy change aligns with the RTE Act’s emphasis on quality education.

Implications of Scrapping the No-Detention Policy:

• Positive Outcomes:
  • Improved Learning Standards: Greater accountability for both students and schools may encourage better academic performance.
  • Teacher Efforts: Teachers may focus more on ensuring foundational skills are acquired.
  • Preparation for Higher Classes: Students will enter higher grades with a stronger grasp of concepts.
• Challenges:
  • Risk of Dropouts: Students who are detained may lose interest and drop out of the education system.
  • Resource Strain: Schools will need additional resources to provide remedial instruction and re-examinations.