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No consensus among states, HRD unlikely to scrap no-detention policy

The government is likely to lower the age of no-detention policy from 8th standard currently to 5th standard as it is not possible to completely do away with the policy

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Even as the Ministry of Human Resource Development wants to scrap the no-detention policy, it does not seem to be happening soon, as the states have divided opinions on this.

According to sources in the ministry, the government is likely to lower the age of no-detention policy from 8th standard currently to 5th standard as it is not possible to completely do away with the policy. Taking a call on no-detention policy is one of the topmost agendas for discussion in the upcoming Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) meeting of HRD Ministry with various states and stakeholders of education, on October 25.

"In the last CABE meeting, all the states had ruled against no-detention policy and suggested to the minister that it should be scrapped. But it was not possible to scrap the policy just on the CABE discussion. It can only be done through an amendment in the provision, which will have to go through Cabinet," a source in the ministry said.

The then HRD Minister Smriti Irani had asked all the states to submit their views on the issue and a final call would be taken according to that. However, in the last one year, only 50 per cent of the states have submitted their views and there is no consensus between them.

"There is no consensus between various states on scrapping the no-detention policy. The ministry is likely to not completely do away with the policy," the source added.

Introduction of no-detention policy, was one of the ways in which the government tried to control the drop out rate in schools, even as the drop out rate till Class 8 decreased, students started leaving schools after they were unable to pass the examination in Class 9. Under the policy, students do not have to write examination till Class 8.

The policy came under heavy criticism and views were invited on whether it should be continued further. Two committees were also formed to review the policy, but the views have been divided as one section believes that scrapping the policy will not serve the purpose of retaining children in schools.

"Some states have suggested that instead of scrapping the policy completely, the age should be lowered to Class 3 or 5. Some have suggested that the policy should be scrapped and instead students should be given more chances at examination," added the source.

Only 50% 

The then HRD Minister Smriti Irani had asked all the states to submit their views on the issue and a final call would be taken according to that. However, in the last one year, only 50 per cent of the states have submitted their views and there is no consensus between them.

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