A 16-year-old tribal student from Rasol under Hindol sub-division failed to appear for the ongoing matriculation examination after alleging that he was denied his admit card for not paying money demanded by school authorities.
The student, Goutam Behera of Rasol Mandia Sahi, claimed that when he visited Rasol Government High School on Wednesday to collect his admit card, he was asked to pay a certain amount. Unable to arrange the money, he alleged that the admit card was withheld, preventing him from sitting for the examination that commenced on Thursday.
He expressed distress over missing the crucial board examination despite preparing throughout the academic year.
School denies allegation
Refuting the claims, headmaster Anadi Naik stated that admit cards are issued free of cost at the government high school. He added that the institution is also a nodal centre and that no complaint regarding payment demand had been brought to his attention.
Naik further said he had personally overseen the distribution of admit cards a day before the examination.
Inquiry ordered
Hindol Sub-Collector Pravesh Behura said a preliminary inquiry through the block education officer indicated that the student had not filled out the examination form and had irregular attendance.
“However, an inquiry has been ordered into the incident,” Behura said, assuring that the matter would be examined thoroughly.
The District Education Officer Paresh Patra did not respond to calls seeking comment.
The incident has raised concerns in the locality, with residents urging authorities to ensure transparency and fairness so that no student is deprived of an opportunity to appear for examinations.