Cabinet scraps no-detention policy: Students can fail in Classes V,VIII
The Cabinet has scrapped the no-detention policy of schools which allowed automatic promotion of students till Class VIII, irrespective of performance in exams. Now states can detain students in Class V and VIII if they don't perform well in the annual exam. However, they will be given a second chance. The no-detention policy was a key feature of the 2010 Right to Education Act.
What does this mean for schools and students?
States can choose to conduct examinations for Classes V and VIII. If students fail in the March exam, there will be another in May-June. In the meantime, remedial classes should be provided. If they fail again, they will be detained. Though exams will be held for Classes VI and VII too, students can't be detained. The policy is expected to be implemented from 2018.
The decision came after widespread complaints
Complaints against the no-detention policy were many: according to teachers, it led to students developing a lackadaisical attitude towards studies and exams. "Why study when there's no fear of failing?" A 2016 study by the NCERT found that apart from Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Sikkim, all other 25 states were against the policy. The Cabinet's decision will now go to parliament for approval.
20 world-class institutions on the anvil
The cabinet also approved setting up of 20 world-class institutions, a decision it had deferred earlier. The 10 state-funded institutes of the 20 will receive funding of up to Rs. 500cr each. These institutes will be able to decide on their admission procedures, fees for foreign students and salary for foreign teachers themselves, unlike existing universities which are limited by UGC guidelines.
