SRINAGAR: The Government of India is set to introduce significant amendments to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, aiming to improve learning outcomes and the quality of education across schools. The amendments, announced through the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019, will alter the current ‘no detention’ policy, which prevents the expulsion or retention of students in classes V to VIII, even if they fail to meet academic standards, the Lok Sabha was told.
As per the amendment, a regular examination will be conducted at the end of Classes V and VIII. If a student fails the examination, they will be given an opportunity for additional instruction and re-examination within two months. However, if the student fails again, they may be held back in their current grade, but only after additional remedial interventions have been offered.
This move is aimed at addressing the growing concern about deteriorating learning outcomes among students, particularly in key stages of education. Under the amended policy, schools will be required to identify learning gaps through assessments, providing students with specialized inputs to support their academic progress.
While the new rules make provisions for regular exams and re-exams, they also emphasize that the focus will be on competency-based assessments rather than rote memorization. The government intends to foster holistic development among students, ensuring they acquire practical knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Additionally, no child will be expelled from school before completing their elementary education. The changes are aligned with the government’s broader goal of improving the overall quality of education, ensuring that every child is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Regarding the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), Tamil Nadu has shown significant improvements, with the GER for secondary education increasing from 73.8 per cent in 2013-2014 to 97.5 per cent in 2023-2024. This trend highlights the country’s progress in making education more accessible. However, concerns remain about the quality of education, as recent assessments like the National Achievement Survey (NAS) have pointed out areas of concern in learning competencies.
The Ministry of Education has also launched the National Achievement Survey (now referred to as PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan), which assesses student learning outcomes across classes 3, 5, 8, and 10. The most recent survey, conducted on December 4, 2024, indicated significant gaps in competencies in subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.
