No-Detention Policy

News: The Central Government has recently amended the Right to Education Act, 2009, eliminating the no-detention policy in schools governed by the Act. This includes Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other institutions under the Ministries of Defence and Tribal Affairs.

About No-Detention Policy

• The policy, introduced under Section 16 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, prevented the detention of students until Class 8.
• The no-detention policy was intended to ensure that children received at least a minimum level of education.

Reasons for Scrapping the No-Detention Policy:

• Criticism of Academic Standards: Experts argued that the policy led to lower academic standards and reduced student accountability. It was seen as turning schools into places for mid-day meals rather than centers for learning.
• States’ Feedback: Many states called for the removal of the policy to enhance quality and accountability in elementary education.
• National Alignment: The change aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on holistic education.

About New rules

• Students who fail the annual exams in Classes 5 or 8 will receive extra help and be allowed a re-examination within two months. Failure in the re-exam may result in detention.
• Teachers and school leaders will offer targeted support, identify learning gaps, and closely monitor student progress.
• No child can be expelled before completing Class 8. Detailed records of detained students and their progress will be kept.