CBSE Detention Rule Will Increase Dropouts

Minister Anbil says move unacceptable, urges parents in TN to speak out against policy to fail class 3, 5, 8 students

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Tiruchy/Chennai

SCHOOL Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has strongly opposed the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) move to implement a policy allowing schools to detain students in Classes 3, 5, and 8 if they fail to meet the required marks.

Addressing the media on Friday at Tiruchy International Airport, the minister urged parents across the state to speak out against the detention rule under National Education Policy (NEP), warning that it could cause severe mental stress among students and drive up school dropout rates.

"Parents are already under pressure, many of them take loans to enrol their children in CBSE schools. Adding the fear of failure will only increase their burden," he said.

The minister said the move is "unacceptable" and harmful to the psychological well-being of children. "How can children at the age of eating chocolates be expected to handle the trauma of failure?" he asked.