Government of India Revokes 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8.

National

In December 2024, the Government of India (GoI) abolished the 'no-detention policy' for Classes 5 and 8, permitting schools to fail students who do not pass year-end exams. This change will apply to over 3,000 central schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools (under the Ministry of Defence), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) (under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs).


      - On December 16, 2024, the Ministry of Education (MoE) issued a notification amending the "Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009," as revised by the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019. The amendment outlines changes to the promotion criteria and is titled the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2024.

      - The new policy was officially notified following the completion of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in 2023. The policy change was implemented under the leadership of Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE).

      - The policy change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes improving learning outcomes while ensuring access to education. It focuses on providing special attention to students who are weak in studies, aiming to enhance their learning experience and academic performance.

Main Point :-   (i) The 'no-detention policy' was introduced in 2019 under Section 16 of the RTE Act, 2009, to ensure access to education without the fear of failure. Section 16 of the Act includes two key provisions: it prohibits the expulsion or retention of elementary students, ensuring continuous education, and guarantees education access up to Class 8, thereby reducing dropout rates.

      (ii) The new promotion criteria allow students failing in Classes 5 and 8 to retake exams within two months. If students fail the re-exam, they will be held back. Additionally, schools will provide remedial instruction and closely monitor the progress of struggling students to offer specialized support.

(iii) Education was originally a state subject in India under the GoI Act of 1935, but the 86th Amendment Constitution Act, 2002, made the Right to Education a fundamental right under Article 21A for children aged 6-14 years.

          ____________________________