The Central government has eliminated the ‘no-detention’ policy for students in Classes 5 and 8 within its educational jurisdiction, enabling schools to retain students who fail to meet academic standards. The move marks a shift from the earlier practice where students in these classes were automatically promoted regardless of their performance.
How will this impact the students?
The new policy, detailed in a recent journal notification, introduces a two-tiered approach for students in Classes 5 and 8 who fail their initial exams. After receiving supplementary instruction, students will have the opportunity to take a re-examination within two months. If they are still unable to meet the promotion criteria, they will repeat the grade. A key aspect of the policy is the emphasis on individualized support, with teachers working closely with students and their parents to identify and address specific learning gaps. This approach aims to ensure that retained students receive the necessary support to succeed academically.
Students Will Not Be Expelled
The government has made it clear that no child will be kicked out of school before finishing elementary school. Even if a student fails and has to repeat a grade, they still have the right to finish school up to 8th grade. This keeps the promise of the Right to Education Act, which says that all children between 6 and 14 years old have the right to free and compulsory education.
Application in Central Government Schools
The more than 3,000 Central government-run schools, including renowned establishments like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools, will be the main targets of the policy reform. These ministry-run schools will begin implementing the updated policies right away.
However, central government schools are not the only ones affected by this decision. Since education is a state topic, each state and Union Territory is free to choose whether to maintain or end the “no-detention policy” in its own educational institutions. Since the Right to Education Act was amended in 2019, 16 states and two Union Territories—including Delhi—have already decided to do away with the policy for classes 5 and 8.
Other States’ Situation
Some states haven’t decided yet whether to keep or drop the ‘no-detention’ policy. Haryana and Puducherry are still using the old rules, while places like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are sticking with the ‘no-detention’ policy. This shows that different states have different ways of running their schools, with each state having its own rules.
Background and Context
The ‘no-detention’ policy was introduced to alleviate pressure on young children and mitigate the negative impact of academic failure in primary grades. By automatically promoting students in classes 5 and 8, the policy aimed to reduce the stigma associated with failure and provide more time for students to grasp fundamental concepts. However, concerns have arisen regarding a potential decline in academic standards due to the lack of sufficient incentives for students to perform well in their examinations.
The 2019 amendment to the Right to Education Act 2019 allowed for a reassessment of this policy. Recognizing the need for greater accountability in the promotion process, particularly in light of the country’s focus on improving educational standards, the central government has introduced a re-examination option. This approach seeks to balance the need for accountability with the principle of providing students with a second chance to demonstrate their learning.
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Way forward
The abolition of the ‘no-detention‘ policy aligns with broader initiatives to enhance the quality of education in India. It underscores the importance of accountability, measurable learning outcomes, and timely identification and remediation of learning gaps. However, effective implementation necessitates robust systems for identifying and addressing student learning deficiencies, along with comprehensive support structures for students who require additional assistance.
As more states consider adopting this policy change, careful monitoring of its impact on student performance across the country is crucial. The overarching goal remains to improve learning outcomes, facilitate academic progress, and equip students with the necessary skills for future educational endeavors while upholding their fundamental right to education.
