Markazi Taleemi Board feels that instead of introducing such punitive measures, the government should focus on improving the quality of education in schools
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The Markazi Taleemi Board has expressed its concern over the recent amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act which makes students who fail in Classes 5 and 8 ineligible for promotion to the next grade. The board stated that it would have a particularly detrimental impact on students from marginalised communities, especially those studying in government schools.
Syed Tanveer Ahmed, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Markazi Taleemi Board’s secretary, said on Wednesday that the new policy will have negative implications. He emphasised that instead of introducing such punitive measures, the government should focus on improving the quality of education in schools.
The government must ensure that teachers are provided with comprehensive training to transform classrooms into Active Learners’ Classrooms. This training should focus on implementing the concept of Joyful Learning, which will significantly enhance students’ educational experience and outcomes. A Child-Centred Education System should be fully adopted to foster the holistic development of students. This can be achieved by implementing a Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) System, which focuses on students’ overall progress rather than solely on rote memorisation. The evaluation system should emphasise learning abilities and practical life skills, the board said.
The board official said the amendment is likely to disproportionately affect students in government schools, most of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. “These schools often lack additional tutoring and support services, which would further disadvantage such students and exacerbate inequalities. The policy could lead to a rise in dropout rates, as students who fail may face social stigma and psychological challenges, further hindering their academic and personal growth,” he said.
The board felt that for any policy to be effective, equal facilities and opportunities must be provided to all students, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. This policy also risks increasing the preference for private schools while diminishing trust in government schools. The government must refrain from promoting privatisation of education and instead focus on improving the quality of education in government schools, it said.
The Markazi Taleemi Board urged the government to reconsider this amendment. “Instead of penalising students, the government should prioritise improving the quality of education in government and underperforming schools. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation System should be reinstated, empowering students to achieve age-appropriate and effective learning outcomes,” it said.
The board reminded the government that providing quality education to all children up to the age of 14 is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility. It called on policymakers to focus on creating a more equitable and inclusive education system that leaves no child behind.
