No Detention Policy (NDP) Should Continue: Experts Say

The central government’s decision to scrap No Detention Policy (NDP) is expected to get the parliamentary nod in the upcoming session. Experts, educationists and voluntary organisations opposed the move and were of the opinion that scrapping of NDP will increase the number of dropouts. Also, the non-prevalence of NDP will cause a severe damage to the education system in the country.

The central government’s argument on NDP is quite contrasting. The prevalence of NDP will deteriorate the learning outcomes. However, experts say that the argument of centre on NDP is baseless and false. So far, the government has not taken any measures to conduct a study or survey in school where CCE (Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation) is being implemented. Without considering systematic failures, it is not wise to scrap the NDP. In all, the abolition of No Detention Policy will have a negative impact on the education system, as well as, corers of children.

Also Read: - ICSE Board Not Supporting NDP

According to RTE (Right to Education) Act (Section 16), no child should be detained in a class until the completion of elementary education to Class VIII. The central government planned to drop NDP to regulate the number of dropouts. Many children drop before Class VIII due to the fear of failure in exams.

The supports of NDP have already submitted a memorandum to Union HRD Ministry. As many as 3000 signatures opposing the NDP have been sent to Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Also Read: - Review ‘No Detention’ Policy & Give States Discretion to Hold Exams: CABE

One of the supporters of NDP expressed that the scrapping of NDP would affect the students in tribal and interior areas. These areas face many challenges such as lack of qualified teachers, infrastructure, migration and poverty.

The experts further expressed their concern that only 10% of schools in the country are complying with RTE Act, that has an aversive effect on the learning process.