Centre Scraps ‘No-Detention’ Policy for Classes 5 and 8

Sub : Polity

Sec :legislation in news

Why in News

The Ministry of Education has notified amendments to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2024, officially scrapping the “no-detention” policy for Classes 5 and 8. This move allows schools to hold back students who fail to meet promotion criteria in year-end examinations.

Background of the No-Detention Policy:

Introduced under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Aimed to reduce dropout rates and promote inclusive education.
Allowed automatic promotion of students up to Class 8 regardless of academic performance.
The delay in notification was attributed to the development of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), finalized in 2023.

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2024:

The Amendment introduces significant changes in India’s educational framework, focusing on assessment and progression in Classes 5 and 8.
Abolition of the No-Detention Policy: Students in Classes 5 and 8 can now be detained if they do not meet the required academic standards, replacing the earlier policy of automatic promotion up to Class 8.
Remedial Measures and Re-Examinations: Students failing year-end exams will receive remedial instruction to address learning gaps. A re-examination will be conducted within two months. If failed again, the student may be detained.
Prohibition of Expulsion: No child can be expelled from school until the completion of Class 8.
State Discretion: States and Union Territories have the flexibility to implement regular exams and the detention policy based on their assessments.
Parental Involvement: Schools must engage with parents to collaboratively address the child’s learning needs, especially if detention is a possibility.