In a significant shift, the Central Government has discontinued the ‘no-detention policy’ for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its purview, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools. This decision allows these institutions to retain students who do not meet the promotion criteria after year-end exams.
Policy Implementation
According to a recent gazette notification, schools will conduct regular examinations, and students failing to meet the criteria will receive:
- Additional Instruction: To address learning gaps.
- Re-examination: Held within two months of the results.
If a student fails the re-examination, they may be held back in their current grade (class 5 or 8).
Support for Retained Students
To ensure academic improvement, the policy mandates:
- Guidance for Students and Parents: Class teachers will identify and address learning gaps.
- Specialized Inputs: Tailored support during the retention period.
Despite these changes, the Right to Education Act (RTE) continues to prohibit the expulsion of any child from school before completing elementary education.
State-wise Adoption
While the new policy applies to over 3,000 centrally-run schools, education remains a state subject, allowing states to decide its implementation.
- 16 States and 2 Union Territories: Including Delhi, have already abolished the no-detention policy.
- Haryana and Puducherry: Yet to decide on adopting this change.
- Other States: Continue to follow the policy.
Background and Amendment
The change follows the 2019 amendment to the RTE Act, which granted states the authority to discontinue the no-detention policy. The revised framework seeks to improve academic standards and accountability, particularly in critical transition years like classes 5 and 8.
This development represents a step toward more rigorous academic assessment while emphasizing targeted interventions to support struggling students.
