The Maharashtra government has announced the reinstatement of annual examinations for students in Class 5 and 8, enabling schools to detain students who fail to clear these exams in their second attempt, according to an official statement. This decision comes in the wake of the recent amendment made by the Central government to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which previously prohibited the detention of students until Class 8. The notification outlining this development was issued by the state School Education Department on Friday.
Under the RTE Act of 2009 provisions, schools were prohibited from detaining students until they completed Class 8, as part of the no-detention policy. However, the newly issued notification states that annual examinations will now be conducted at the end of the academic year for students in Class 5 and 8. If a student fails to pass the examination, they will receive additional guidance and be given an opportunity to reappear for the exam within two months. However, if the student fails to clear the re-examination, they will be held back in the same class, as per the notification.
It is important to note that no student will be expelled from the school until they complete their elementary education, as explicitly mentioned in the notification. This move aligns with the amendment made to the RTE Act in 2019, which granted states the authority to reintroduce examinations and detain students if they fail to clear them.
The reintroduction of annual exams in Maharashtra aims to strengthen the assessment system and comprehensively evaluate students’ academic progress. The government believes that this step will instil a sense of accountability and motivate students to perform better in their studies.
The decision has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and education experts, with opinions varying on the potential impact of detention on students’ overall development. While proponents argue that it will help identify and address learning gaps early, critics express concerns about the potential negative consequences on students’ mental well-being and the risk of increased dropout rates.
The State Education Department will work closely with schools to implement the new examination and detention policy effectively. They will also ensure that adequate support and resources are provided to students who require additional assistance to clear the exams.