Some want exams, others for deferral
LUCKNOW : At a time when Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on social gatherings of more than 50 people in national capital, in Lucknow people have demanded postponement of Lucknow University and ongoing CBSE and ICSE Board examinations that involve gathering of students in large numbers.
“We have appealed to the state government to postpone all examinations. There is no point in putting life of students and teachers to any risk. We have asked vice chancellor AK Rai to convince the state authorities to defer the examination,” said Manoj Pandey, president of LU Associated College Teachers’ Association.
Parents are also demanding boards and Lucknow University to defer their examinations.
the larger interest of student community, University of Lucknow should have deferred its annual examinations that began from March 16,” said Papiya Khan whose niece is writing her BA annual examination.
On Monday, when the ICSE chemistry examination got over, parents who went to collect their wards looked tense.
A number of parents said they are tense as their children had to write their examination in this scenario.
“If they don’t appear in the annual examination, children will end up losing a year. But when they appear in the exam there is a fear that they may get infected. It’s a double whammy,” said Versha Singh, a housewife.
Educationist and career consultant Dr Amrita Dass said examinations should be held until postponed by the government. “Regarding the issue of postponement of exams, we should strictly adhere to the health guidelines and advisory issued by the government which is keeping a close track on all the developments,” she added.
“Necessary precautions and checks must be implemented in all exam centres. This includes arrangements for checking body temperature, disinfected surfaces, sanitizers etc. In case a student is unable to take exams due to the coronavirus, a date should be announced for re-examination of the paper,” Dass said.
In the wake of Covid-19 threat, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has permitted students to carry masks and sanitizers to examination centres. Many say this alone is not enough.
Former CBSE chairman Ashok Ganguly is not in favour of postponing Board exams. “There is no guarantee that situ“In ation will improve after 15 days. So Board exams should not be halted. If required, school annual exam can be deferred. Because delay in Board exams will amount to delay in result and academic session will get delayed,” he said.
Gerry Arathoon, chief executive and secretary, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, said, “We are in the middle of ICSE, ISC examinations. And it can’t be postponed as situation is well within control. In light of ongoing Board examinations, the centre heads have been requested to make available hand sanitizers, soap and water in the examination centres located in their schools.”
He said the ICSE Council had asked the heads of all schools under it to make students, teachers and parents aware of basic precautionary steps to prevent the coronavirus.