Experts Oppose Scrapping of 'No-Detention' Policy

FOLLOWING the Union Government's recent decision to scrap the 'no-detention' policy for classes 5 and 8, educationists have strongly opposed the move, arguing that it undermines rights-based legislations.

- RISHITA KHANNA @ Bengaluru

They warned that the amendment could lead to higher dropout rates.

Under the revised system, students failing their exams will be granted a re-exam within two months, but those failing again will be held back in the same class. Experts term the concept as a 'conservative idea' and argue that holding a child back in class 5 or 8 not only stigmatizes them as 'fit for failure,' but also leaves them with no extra support or resources to help them tackle the same syllabus for another year.

Development Educationist Professor Niranjanaradhya VP pointed out that the recent amendments are a deliberate attempt to weaken the Right to Education (RTE) Act.