The draft for the eagerly awaited new Education Policy recommends amendments in the right to free and compulsory education Act 2009. Among its specific recommendations are:
 

• The no detention policy must be continued for children until completion of class 5. 

• At the upper primary level, the system of detention shall be restored subject to the provision of remedial coaching and at least two extra chances being offered to prove his capabilities to move to a higher class. 

• Section 12(1)(c) of the Act, which deals with the right of children to free and compulsory education for children from economically weaker section, is a duty and legal obligation of all states to implement. Private schools and religious and linguistic minority schools should also not be exempted. 

• Infrastructure norms for recognition of private schools should also be applied to government schools. 

• States should be given flexibility to determine their own norms for infrastructure requirements consistent with local conditions. 

• Significant stress needs to be given to sports and physical education as part of the schooling process.

           
Education of children with special needs
The committee has recommended that while ongoing centrally-sponsored schemes for children with special needs should continue, but their coverage and funding needs to be augmented. It has also said that an independent board may be set up under the state education Act to oversee the implementation of schemes for children with special needs.

The five-member committee headed by former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian was formed last year, even as the government invited suggestions from people on the HRD ministry's website. The committee submitted its report last month, though it is yet to be made public, as HRD minister Smriti Irani said her ministry would seek feedback from the states.

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