The Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2018, has been approved by the Rajya Sabha after being passed by the Lok Sabha in July 2018. The legislation aims to modify the Right to Education Act, 2009, with primary changes designed to terminate the no-detention policy in schools throughout the country.
Understanding The Proposed Amendment
According to the new bill, there will be some notable revisions to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The primary alterations include provisions for regular exams in the fifth and eighth grades at the end of every academic year. If a student doesn’t meet passing criteria in these examinations, they will be offered a chance for re-examination within two months from the date the results are declared.
This new amendment also empowers state governments with authority to allow schools to retain a student in the fifth or eighth grade- or both- if they fail the re-examination. Simultaneously, it is up to the discretion of the state government to decide whether they want to hold back any students before the completion of elementary education.
The No Detention Policy
A crucial part of the amendment is its focus on the ‘no detention policy.’ This refers to the policy that prevents schools from expelling or holding back any student till they complete their elementary education. The proposed amendment to the act challenges this existing policy.
While the ‘no detention policy’ is widely applauded for its aim to help students complete at least their basic education, the amendment presents an alternative view. It proposes that this policy might compromise on the quality of education as there’s no pressure to perform well in academics.
Restrictions On Expulsion From School
Another significant provision of the bill is about the expulsion of children from schools. It states unequivocally that no child can be expelled from school until they finish their elementary education.
| Original Act | Proposed Amendment |
|---|---|
| No-detention policy in schools | Abolition of the no-detention policy |
| No provision for holding back students | Authority given to state government and schools to decide on holding back a student |
| No child can be expelled until completion of elementary education | No change in the expulsion rule |
The Final Verdict On The Right To Education Amendment Bill
The Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2018, makes several amendments to the existing Right to Education Act, 2009. It strives to strike a balance between ensuring the minimum educational attainment by every child and maintaining the quality of education imparted.