Public Schools in Delhi have welcomed the Delhi Government Education Department's decision not to detain students up to Class VII. However, government-aided schools, which will also have to implement the decision, feared the move would lead to a fall in standards.

"It's a welcome move. In fact, we do not detain students up to Class X," said Amita Wattal, principal of Springdales, Pusa Road. "Detaining a student does not help him or her perform better Rather, it has a negative effect," she said.

She added that, unless the student suffers from a psychological or medical problem, everyone is promoted. "We monitor their progress. Even in Class X, if students perform badly, we counsel them to switch streams so that they can manage according to their capability," Wattal said.

Modern School in Barakhamba follows the same principle. "The concept of fail and pass is old. We must ensure students remain interested in studies by evaluating their strengths and identifying their weaknesses," said Principal Lata Vaidyanathan. She added the concept of non-detention should be taken as good learning strategy and students should be evaluated properly.