The no-detention policy was implemented as part of the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) under the RTE Act in 2010 to ensure holistic development of students. The idea was also to reduce dropout rates. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation emphasizes on evaluating a child through the year, and not just based on performance in one or two term exams.

The no-detention policy has served its purpose, with the dropout rate decreasing sharply and 98 per cent children in school. The policy has been most effective in checking school dropout rate and doing away with it could lead to a spiral in the number of schoolgoers dropping out. 

However, ever since its implementation, the policy has given rise to heated debate. A section of teachers and parents have complained that this policy has led to students developing a lackadaisical attitude, with there being no risk of failing. They also say this system makes no distinction between good and bad students, and between those who work hard and those who don’t. Some states have demanded revocation of the policy, claiming this has led to a sharp fall in learning outcomes and academic levels.

Arunachal has decided to do away with No Detention Policy after much deliberation. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been quite vocal about scrapping this policy ever since his government came to power last year. Harassed over the flailing education scenario, Khandu has also spoken out about need for modifications in the Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE).

Breaking its silence, the NCERT however has come out in support of its continuation and advised the Modi government at the Centre against scrapping the policy of ‘no detention’ or automatically promoting students up to Class 8, introduced by the previous UPA regime.

Will the return of detention improve this harsh reality? As a knee-jerk response, one might be tempted to think so. But great care needs to be exercised at this particular crossroad if we are not to go from the frying pan into the fire. For a nation which is ensuring universal education to children up to the age of 14 years, the scrapping of ‘no detention’ will prove an anti-thesis.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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