Changes in RTE Act on cards over not ‘failing’ students
NEW DELHI: In a major move aimed at resolving controversial “No Detention Policy” issue, the Centre is all set to put the ball in the court of states. In this regard, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has decided to bring changes in the Right to Education Act (RTE) by introducing an amendment bill in the second leg of Budget Session of the Parliament.
The decision to amend the RTE Act has been taken after Centre and states failed to bring consensus on “No Detention Policy” as some of the states are still in favour of continuing the contentious provision of the Act, which does not allow schools to fail a student till class 8.
“Most states sought to revoke the ‘no failing policy’ during the 64th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) in October 2016 while some states were in favour of continuing the policy. If Centre takes some ‘hard’ decision, the states would start blaming the ruling government at the Centre. So, it’s better to give them the right to revoke or continue the controversial policy,” the official said.
“The ministry has finalised the changes in the Act and it would be introduced in the second spell of the Budget Session. The amendment to the RTE Act would be a one-liner which will empower states to take its decision on no detention policy. They don’t have to reach out to CABE for terminating the controversial provision,” the official said.
The states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala had opposed the revocation of ‘no failing policy’ during the 64th CABE meeting, while some states had opined that it should be discontinued in a phased manner. Notably, the Subramanian committee formed by the government to formulate a New Education Policy (NEP)
States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala had opposed the revocation of ‘no failing policy’ during the 64th CABE meeting, while some states had opined that it should be discontinued in a phased manner
had recommended that the ‘no detention policy’ in schools should be applicable till Class V and exams be held from Class VI onwards.
However, in case a child does not pass in the first instance, he or she should be given two more chances to appear in the exam. The committee in its report had also devoted a chapter on the impact of coaching classes for entrance exams.