Centre to review no-detention policy
Union HRD minister Smriti Irani
New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government is likely to seek review of a few of the UPA government’s education policies which include no detention policy till Class VIII and making Class X Board exams optional in CBSE schools.
Sources in the human resource development ministry said that the two issues are likely to feature prominently in the next meeting of Central Advisory Board of Education (the highest advisory body on education in the country) which is likely next month.
It is understood that the two issues, pushed by former HRD minister Kapil Sibal, had been facing opposition from several state governments. Sources said that it was felt by many states that a complete ban on exams till Class VIII was not in the best interest of the child.
It was felt that the provisions had failed to achieve their purpose and were lowering the quality of children reaching Class X. HRD minister Smriti Irani had also held discussions on these issues where broad consensus emerged on introducing proper evaluation of children and doing away with no detention policy. The policy has been blamed for stifling spirit of competition among students.
There was also a view that Class X Board exams, which had been made optional in CBSE schools, should be made mandatory again. The decision, if reversed, could undo a slew of reforms initiated under the UPA regime. It would be another victory for the BJP after the HRD ministry’s recent decision to successfully nudge Delhi University towards ending its FYUP degree courses.
This newspaper had reported on October 6 that the HRD ministry was contemplating to amend the Right To Education Act after several states had raised objection about existing rules and regulations.
The move came after several states including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura objected to the provision of no detention, no examination policy till class VIII under RTE Act. A sub-committee of CABE had recently submitting its report to Ms Irani, recommending reintroduction of the detention policy.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
