Spurt in bogus sportsperson students availing 25 marks prompts clamp down by concerned department
Those inclined towards sports at school level are in for a major setback, as they will not be entitled to getting 25 additional marks to boost their academic performance while they represent their respective districts in such competitions.
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If statistics are to be believed, then 4,436 sportsmen have represented Pune, Ahmadnagar and Solapur districts at either district, state or national level while pursuing their Std X or XII.
The Maharashtra board has given all these individuals 25 additional marks to ensure that their participation in sports activities does not affect their academic performance.
State takes charge
The state government has now decided to restrict misuse of special sports marks quota scheme from next year onwards. u00a0According to board officials, the scheme has given rise to bogus sportsmen who have been benefiting without merit.u00a0“In the board exams, 25 marks mean five per cent and anyone with a participation certificate in any sport competition could avail marks till now.u00a0
In the last four years, this number has increased rapidly, but we don’t have a system to crosscheck the authenticity of sportsperson students and competitions,” said Anil Gunjal, additional secretary, Pune divisional board.u00a0After March 2012, around 3,173 from Std X students from Pune division applied for the 25 marks under the scheme and all of them benefited from the additional five per cent on their actual scores.u00a0
Similar scenario
The same is the case with Std XII, wherein 1,263 students applied and got the additional 25 marks under the scheme.
“According to new rules framed by the state school education department, from next year onwards, only those sportspersons failing in the board exams can benefit from the scheme.”
The school education department has also tightened the rules on the type of sports competitions that would merit cover under the scheme.
From now onwards, students who have participated at either state or national level will be eligible to apply under the sports quota scheme, and that too only if they require additional marks.u00a0
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