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To deter student suicides, state education board instructs schools not to insult or humiliate those caught copying in exams
With an alarming increase in the number of students committing suicide, the Maharashtra State Board of Education seems to have softened its stand on copy- cats, albeit only a little. Though the board rules will not change for those caught cheating, the schools will be instructed to handle such matters with care, a member of the board claims.
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Yet another life lost: Parents of Amrut Mane, the MSc student who jumped from his room on the second floor of the Government Hostel at Churchgate, yesterday, step out of the hostel after investigation. |
Take it easy
Dr Shridhar Salunke, divisional chairman, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, said, "We will not be lenient to copycats. Still, we have given instructed schools to handle the matter sensibly, and not humiliate students who are caught cheating."
However, Francis Swamy, principal, Holy Family High School, Andheri, and a board member, felt that if the board became too lenient, "it could affect the quality of education".
Need counselling
Abha Dharam Pal, principal, Utpal Shanghvi High School, Juhu said, "Students found cheating will be sent for counselling to our in-house school counsellors, and this has been the practice in our school unless the board instructs us otherwise."
Smita Deodhar, a parent, welcomed the suggestion, saying, "When there is no stress, there is no copying, and obviously no punishment and rule changes. But humiliation, like questioning a child in class should be not done.
He or she should be taken in another room and counselled. This will at least help children think twice before taking a severe step like suicide."
One SSC student from south Mumbai School, refusing to be named, said, "The rules are too strict. A child should not be barred from giving examination for three years if found cheating, but at least given one chance."
Despite the Education Board being on a high alert, 5,300 students were caught cheating in the SSC and HSC last year. |
