How No Detention Policy backfired?

Recently, the Subramanian committee observed that the no detention policy in schools should be applicable till Class V and exams be held from Class VI onwards. Prior to this, the Vasudev Devnani committee had also recommended for its revocation.

Information about the Policy

Under this policy, the students up to class VIII are automatically promoted to the next class without being held back even if they do not get a passing grade. The policy was implemented as part of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) under the RTE Act in 2010 to ensure all-round development of students. The concept of CCE imported from the West, which emphasises on evaluating a child through the year, and not just based on performance in one or two term exams.

How the policy backfired?

The basic objective behind this policy was to prevent drop-outs. The no detention policy in the RTE does not mean the abolition of assessment rather it calls for replacement of the traditional system of evaluation with continuous and comprehensive assessment that is non- threatening. The policy also intends to free the students from the pressure and fear of examination and give them a stress free academic environment and childhood.

However, somehow the policy has backfired on primary education system. The policy resulted in remarkable improvement in enrolments but then academic standard dropped down. No pass fail system means there is a negligence of children to study. Even parents started taking primary education for granted because they know that their wards would be promoted to next class irrespective of their performance in examination. Same is with teachers. Earlier, failure of students would put a question mark on teacher’s performance also; but now it does not make any difference, inviting a lax attitude in teachers too.