Centre Scraps ‘No-Detention Policy’ for Classes 5 and 8, Tamil Nadu Refuses to Implement Change

The Centre has decided to end the ‘no-detention policy’ for students in Classes 5 and 8, allowing schools under its jurisdiction to fail students who do not pass year-end exams. However, Tamil Nadu has announced that it will not implement this policy in state-run schools. Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi expressed concern, calling the Centre’s move a “stumbling block” for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu’s existing model of automatic promotion will continue.

The state government clarified that the Union Government’s policy would apply only to schools directly managed by the Centre, and not to other schools in Tamil Nadu. Poyyamozhi reassured parents, students, teachers, and educationists that the state’s “no detention” system will remain in place.

Tamil Nadu has long adhered to a policy of automatic promotion to support students from underprivileged and rural areas, giving them ample opportunities to complete their education.

The Centre’s decision to abolish the ‘no-detention policy’ follows an amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act in 2019, which has already been adopted by 18 states and Union Territories. Under the new policy, if a student fails to meet promotion criteria after regular exams, they will be given additional instruction and a chance for a re-examination within two months. If the student fails again, they will repeat the same grade. However, no child will be expelled before completing elementary education, and the class teacher will guide the student and their parents, offering specialized support to address learning gaps.