‘NO-DETENTION POLICY’ – SCRAPPED

GS2 – POLITY

The Central Government has abolished the ‘no-detention policy’ for students in Classes 5 and 8 in schools under its jurisdiction, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools.

Key Aspects of the Policy Change:

• Assessment and Remediation: Students who do not meet the promotion criteria after regular examinations will receive additional instruction and an opportunity for re-examination within two months of result declaration.
• Retention: If a student fails to meet the promotion criteria after the re-examination, they will be retained in the same class (5th or 8th). During this period, teachers will provide specialized support to address identified learning gaps.
• No Expulsion: The policy ensures that no child will be expelled from school before completing elementary education.

State-Level Decisions:

Education being a state subject, individual states can choose whether to implement this policy change. As of now, 16 states and two Union Territories have discontinued the no-detention policy for these classes. However, states like Tamil Nadu have decided to continue with the no-detention policy up to Class 8.

Implications:

The removal of the no-detention policy aims to enhance educational standards by ensuring students achieve necessary competencies before promotion. However, it raises concerns about potential increased dropout rates, especially among disadvantaged students who may face challenges in meeting promotion criteria. The emphasis on remedial measures seeks to address these concerns by providing additional support to struggling students.

This policy shift reflects a broader national trend towards balancing academic standards with educational access, aiming to improve learning outcomes while ensuring that students receive the necessary support to succeed.