Centre's decision to scrap 'no-detention policy' won’t apply in Tamil Nadu: Education Minister

The education minister termed the Union government's decision a 'stumbling block' for students from underprivileged sections to pursue education.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu government on Monday called the Union government’s decision to scrap the 'no-detention policy' for 5th and 8th standard students a “stumbling block” for students from underprivileged sections to pursue education. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi clarified that the above decision won’t apply to schools run by the state government, which will continue to follow the current method of automatically promoting students of fifth and eight standard to the next class.

“As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, we have not implemented the National Education Policy, and we are in the process of drafting an exclusive State Education Policy. Since the state is following a policy of its own, the Union Government’s move will be applicable only to schools owned by the Centre in the state,” the minister said.

“It won’t apply to any other schools. Therefore, parents, students, teachers, and educationists don’t have to worry or get confused over the Union Government’s policy. The state government makes it clear that the current method of no detention policy would continue,” he added.

Tamil Nadu had been implementing the 'no-detention policy' for decades together to ensure that children from rural areas and under privileged backgrounds are given enough chances so that they continue their education.