Teachers raise demand amid fears about shortages affecting commutes of students whose families are already struggling to cope with situation
People wait with empty LPG cylinders to avail the refilled ones amid ongoing supply crunch, in Mumbai on Friday. Pic/PTI
With the city already struggling through an LPG shortage, there is now growing anxiety around a possible petrol and diesel crunch. The timing has raised concern, especially with school exams about to begin.
Fearing that any disruption in fuel supply could affect students and teachers travelling to exam centres, MLA JM Abhyankar has written to the State Council of Educational Research and Training, urging an early wrap-up of exams by April 10.
“We request you to take the possible difficult situation seriously and conclude examinations before April 10. Teachers can then complete the evaluation and result work from home or school at their convenience,” he said.
SCERT: Schedule cannot be rushed
SCERT officials stated that advancing the exam calendar is not practical, saying, “Periodic Assessment Tests are planned in advance and follow a fixed schedule. Papers need to reach all centres in time. These timelines cannot be rushed. This is why these asks are not practical,”
No panic yet: Bus operators
School transport operators, meanwhile, say there is no immediate cause for concern. “Fuel pump staff have told us not to panic or overstock. Exams will be over soon, and fuel should be enough till then. In any case, schools now have online systems as backup,” said Anil Garg, head of the Mumbai School Bus Owners Association.
Parent migration risk
Though exams are scheduled to continue till the end of April, teachers say attendance could take a hit if the situation worsens. Jalindar Sarode, working president of Shikshak Sena, said many families may choose to leave Mumbai due to the LPG shortage. “People cannot afford to stay without cooking gas. They may return to their hometowns, and students could miss exams. That is why timely decisions are important,” he said.
Govt cuts fuel duty
In a relief move, the government has slashed fuel excise:
Petrol duty cut from Rs 13 to Rs 3 per litre
Diesel duty reduced from Rs 10 to zero
Transporters welcomed the move, calling it a buffer against global volatility.
“This may not immediately reduce retail prices, but it shows intent to cushion citizens. A much-needed step,” said Bal Malkit Singh, advisor and former president, All India Motor Transport Congress.
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