<h4>Introduction to No Detention Policy</h4><p>The <strong>No Detention Policy (NDP)</strong> was a significant provision introduced under the <strong>Right to Education (RTE) Act</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>It was specifically enshrined in <strong>Section 16</strong> of the <strong>Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009</strong>.</p></div><h4>Core Provisions of Section 16 of RTE Act</h4><p><strong>Section 16</strong> of the <strong>RTE Act</strong> outlined two primary stipulations concerning elementary education.</p><ul><li><strong>No expulsion:</strong> No child receiving <strong>elementary education</strong> shall be expelled from school.</li><li><strong>No retention:</strong> No child shall be retained or failed in any class up to <strong>Class 8</strong>.</li></ul><h4>Objective and Rationale</h4><p>The main objective of the <strong>No Detention Policy</strong> was to ensure that all children receive a <strong>minimum level of education</strong> without the fear of failure.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>It aimed to remove the <strong>fear of failure</strong> among students, which was often cited as a major reason for high <strong>dropout rates</strong>, especially in primary and upper primary stages.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the <strong>rationale</strong> behind NDP is crucial for analyzing its impact and the subsequent debates around its continuation or repeal. This is often a topic in <strong>UPSC GS Paper II (Social Justice)</strong>.</p></div>