While they have been demanding online exams, teachers who are to conduct exams have demanded vaccination
This picture has been used for representational purpose
The detailed circular about the restrictions due to rising COVID-19 cases by the state government on Sunday, has caused stress for students appearing for the board exams, their parents and teachers.
While teachers who will conduct the board exams have been asked to keep their COVID negative report ready, they have demanded immediate vaccination, irrespective of age restrictions. Teachers’ organisations have approached the education department seeking approval for immediate vaccination. Some students have protested against holding the exams in traditional offline format. The restrictions dossier has added to their worries.
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“We have been demanding online examinations for some time now. Other than fear of the infection, we have also raised other concerns such as students not being able to prepare well for the offline exams with online learning. Now with the situation at hand, it is all the more important that the education department reviews its decision,” said Nilesh Shah, a student who is to appear for the HSC board exam.
‘A clear contradiction’
“This is a clear contradiction. On the one hand directives are issued to restrict movement because the situation is grim, and on the other, the board exams are to continue as per the plan,” said Kadambari Sawant, a parent.
Prashant Redij, spokesperson for Maharashtra School Principals' Association, said, “The directives mention that the teachers working for board exams should get vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test report which is valid for 48 hours. But vaccine centres have not been informed that teachers should be given preference, even as the exams are fast approaching. Teachers from BMC schools are all vaccinated as they are civic employees. But when it comes to other teachers, the age-restrictions continue. This is unfair.”
Shivnath Darade from Shikshak Parishad Mumbai, said, “Considering the situation and their need to report for the job, all teachers irrespective of age, should be allowed to get vaccinated.” The Shikshak Parishad has written to the BMC Commissioner regarding this. Darade also pointed out that the exam centers should have COVID test kiosks. But he questioned, “Does the government expect students and teachers to get tested constantly?”
As per a source from the education department in Mantralaya, a meeting has been scheduled on Tuesday to discuss the concerns and take a final decision on the board exams. “Other than infection, there are also concerns about the exam's time table,” said the source.
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