Vijayapura: Even as the number of Covid cases are sharply rising in the State, the government has not made its plan clear whether it will hold the exams for class 1 to nine or promote the students to next class without any exam.
After the government showed an inclination to hold exams, the private schools and even state-run schools were preparing for the annual exams for classes 1 to 9. But the sudden increase in the Covid-19 cases has put the fate of examinations in balance.
The state government has already held a high-level meeting with the stakeholders (Parents, representatives of private schools and experts) to decide on whether to conduct the examinations for primary, higher primary and high school (excluding 10th grade) for the ongoing academic year.
However, the government is yet to announce its decision. Meanwhile, the administrators of private schools and parents are urging the government to permit at least, online examinations.
Rajesh Wali, administrator of Sai Niketan Institutions of Mudhol in Bagalkot district, pointed that, this year they have totally different scenarios compared to previous year.
“Last year, we had completed the entire syllabus in regular classes, but, when we were on the verge of taking the annual examinations the Covid-19 induced lockdown and on the orders of the government the students studying in Class 1 to 9 were promoted without taking any exams. In the ongoing academic year, we have hardly conducted any regular classes because of the restrictions imposed due to pandemic. If the exams are not conducted for the second consecutive academic year, it will psychologically impact and change the perspective of students on academics. So, it is necessary to conduct the examinations at least online instead of promoting students”
It is not only the school administrators but also the demand from parents to conduct the examinations.
Vanaja Patil, mother of two children, pointed that, if the exams are conducted the children will read, else they will neglect studies. “Exams are the only way to assess the performance of the children. The government must permit the schools to conduct online examinations instead of offline. It has to find an amicable solution instead of promoting”, she urged.
According to sources, the private schools have already announced the time-table for the final examination and are planning to conduct it online. In many schools the preparatory exams are being held for class 1 to 9 to evaluate the performance of the students.
Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Suresh Kumar, who was recently on one-day visit to Vijayapura, had said that the government is thinking seriously on this and has already convened a meeting with representatives of parents, schools and experts. Another round of meeting will be held with experts and authorities concerned before making a final decision. The government will announce its decision in a week or two.
