Centre Scraps No-Detention Policy for Classes 5 and 8

Scrapping of ‘no-detention’ policy for Classes 5 and 8 leads to debate in Karnataka while Some private school managements and students’ groups have welcomed the government’s decision.

Context: The Union Government has abolished the no-detention policy for Classes 5 and 8 across schools under its jurisdiction. It will affect schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

About New Rules Under the Ministry of Education

Amendment Notification:
- The Ministry has amended the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010, to include detention provisions.
Promotion and Detention Process:
- Students who fail regular exams in classes 5 and 8 must be given additional instruction and a re-examination within 2 months.
- If they fail the re-exam, they may be
Responsibility of Teachers and Schools:
- Teachers must guide detained students and their parents and provide specialised support to address learning gaps.
- School heads must maintain a list of detained students and monitor their progress closely.
Exam Format:
- Exams and re-exams must be competency-based, focusing on holistic development rather than memorisation.
Key Safeguard:
- No child can be expelled from school until the completion of elementary education.

Legislative and Policy Background

Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Section 16 prohibited detaining students up to Class 8.
Amendment in 2019:
- Allowed states and UTs to decide on holding back students in Classes 5 and 8 if they failed re-examinations.
- Since then, 18 States/UTs have scrapped the no-detention policy.