It is not Kerala government’s policy to fail children: V Sivankutty on dropping of ‘no detention’ rule

NEW DELHI: Opposing the centre’s decision of scrapping the ‘no detention policy’, Kerala's education minister V Sivankutty said that it is not the state government’s policy to fail children. Making amendments to the Right to Education Act, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the centre has dropped the policy and proposed public exams in Classes 5 and 8.

Sivankutty said that the Kerala government rather works to ensure that every student acquires the required skills in each class, as outlined in the curriculum.

“It is not the government's policy to fail children following the 5th and 8th public exams proposed by the National Education Policy 2020. Rather, it is ensuring that each child in each class acquires the required skills as prescribed by the curriculum,” read an official statement.

He stated that Kerala would focus on a child-centric approach when evaluating the central amendments. Instead of using exams to fail students, the state plans to implement a Comprehensive Quality Plan, starting with the recent half-yearly exams, to support students in acquiring the essential skills. The government will also organize special learning support programmes for those studying in Classes 8, 9, and 10 who lack the required skills, to help them meet the standards.

Also read Tamil Nadu to continue with no-detention policy for Class 5 and 8; defies Centre's decision to scrap it

V Sivankutty further said that the Kerala government is committed to inclusivity and the quality of education. The state, he said, stands in opposition to practices that might exclude students, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, is included and supported throughout their education.