Although the state board has declared a timetable for offline SSC and HSC exams, parents, teachers and the Opposition are demanding online exams amid the rising COVID graphs
In a recent survey conducted by a teacher from a Kurla school, it was suggested that exams should be held online. Representative pic
Putting a full stop to confusion and questions over the state board exams, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad on Friday declared in the Assembly that SSC and HSC exams will take place as scheduled and in the traditional offline pattern. Gaikwad was responding to questions raised by the Opposition.
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There is much discussion on board examinations amid increasing COVID cases. Concerned parents and teachers have been opposing the holding of exams offline. With the declaration of the time table, the state board, however, had cleared the confusion.
Concerned voices continue to oppose the move and questions were raised by BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar. Responding to the query, Gaikwad said, “The state board examinations will be held offline as per the schedule, adhering to all safety measures. The state board conducted examinations for repeaters recently in the offline mode.”
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations are to be held in the month of April and May. While board exams already come with a great deal of stress, it is multiplied amid the pandemic. “A major fear is contracting the infection. But it is also important to note that it has not been a regular academic year and in many parts of the state, schools are still closed. How do we expect these children to suddenly give offline exams?” said Radhika Ambre, a concerned parent.
Parent Vijay Mahajan said, “When this pandemic started last year, the last paper of geography for SSC was cancelled fearing the infection. At that time Mumbai’s cases numbered only in a few hundred and rural parts had none. Now the infection is all across the state and at a much higher rate in cities.”
Recently, a teacher from a Kurla school had conducted a survey of board students where many had suggested that the exams should be online since the entire academic year was online.
“Children do not have the practice of writing. Many have missed out on prelims as schools are not holding those adhering to the regulations. They have no practice of practical sessions in laboratories,” shared a teacher requesting anonymity.
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