With Coronavirus spreading rapidly across the state, parents intensify their opposition to holding exams at centres and exposing their kids to the risk of contracting the virus
Police try to stop students on their way to Shiv Sena Bhavan to meet the CM to demand online board exams, at Dadar, on April 2. Pic/Ashish Raje
AMID opposition to holding board exams offline, particularly due to the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak, the state education department held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible alternatives. However, there was no resolution. The state board exams, for which lakhs of students have registered, are set to begin by April end.
mid-day has been reporting about the increasing stress among students and their parents, who are reluctant on sending their children out to write their exams amid raging Coronavirus spread. Teachers said the government’s decision to ask students to gather for exams is in contradiction to imposing a lockdown to curb people’s movement.
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“There is no decision yet regarding board examinations, as a discussion with several stakeholders is needed before finalising something. The education minister is expected to hold these discussions in the coming days, and then a final decision will be taken,” said a source from the education department. Several options are being discussed to ease the pressure on students and parents. An announcement regarding board exams in the next few days is inevitable, considering the rapid surge in COVID-19 infections.
Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s suggestion to cancel exams and promote children has led to major discussion in the education sector, with many opposing his advice.
“This is not a viable option. Board exams are important in any student’s life and determine their future course of education,” said a teacher. Another said, “Exams weren’t held last year when the pandemic hit and these children were promoted. Another year of promotion will only compromise the quality of education.”
Parents in the meantime have taken to Twitter to make their voices heard, tagging state and central education ministers and even the Prime Minister’s Office.
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