Why did Government Scrap No-Detention Policy?

January 6, 2025

In December 2024, the Union government amended the Rules of the Right to Education Act, 2009. This change allows schools to detain students in Classes 5 and 8 if they fail to meet promotion criteria after year-end examinations. Students will have the opportunity for a re-examination after two months of additional teaching. This amendment marks shift from the original no-detention policy established in 2009, which aimed to alleviate pressure on students.

Background of the No-Detention Policy

The no-detention policy was introduced to ensure that children could learn without the stress of being held back. It was intended to promote continuous learning and reduce demoralisation among students. The policy, however, faced challenges in implementation. Many schools ceased testing altogether, leading to automatic promotion without assessing essential skills.

Reasons for Policy Rollback

Recent surveys brought into light alarming learning gaps in India’s education system. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) revealed that only 42.8% of Class 5 students could read a Class 2-level text in 2022. Furthermore, the National Achievement Survey indicated a decline in student performance as they progressed through school. The government’s analysis showed failure rate among students in Classes 10 and 12, prompting the need for a policy revision.

Proposed Measures for Improvement

Experts advocate for timely remedial actions at every educational stage. Regular assessments should be conducted by teachers, who are best positioned to evaluate a child’s learning. The amended rules require class teachers to identify learning gaps and provide specialised support. School heads are responsible for monitoring the progress of students who are held back.

Accountability in Education

The focus of accountability must shift towards teachers rather than solely on students. Experts argue that teachers should be held responsible for their students’ learning outcomes. Rigorous teacher appraisals are essential to ensure inclusive teaching practices. Incentives and consequences should be established to motivate teachers to support all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

ASER – Annual Status of Education Report, tracks learning outcomes.
CCE – Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation, aimed to improve assessment standards.
RTE – Right to Education Act, guarantees education for children aged 6 to 14.
NCERT – National Council of Educational Research and Training, develops educational frameworks.
CISCE – Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, oversees school examinations.

Future Directions for Education Policy

The education system must evolve to address the identified learning gaps. Emphasis should be placed on equipping teachers with the necessary skills and resources. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, educational institutions, and communities are vital for encouraging an effective learning environment. Regular evaluations and feedback mechanisms will be crucial in shaping a more accountable and responsive education system.

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