Recently, Priyanka Gandhi slammed CBSE and other boards saying the decision of taking in-person exams is irresponsible during a time when India is experiencing the second covid-19 wave with each day surpassing the previous in single day cases, she asked the boards to either reschedule the examinations or cancel them.
The rising number of Covid-19 cases has caused tension and anxiety among students and parents especially after CBSE and other education boards decided to go ahead with their decision to conduct in-person examination for the students of class 10th and 12th.
Amid the resurgence of covid-19, there has been a debate going on whether or not the board examinations should be conducted while ensuring all necessary precautions.
The students overwhelmingly oppose the decision to conduct the examination in person as over 1 lakh students of classes 10th and 12th have signed petitions to urge the government and the boards to either cancel the examinations scheduled to be conducted in May or through online mode.
In a tweet, the eloquent Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi wrote “It is downright irresponsible of boards like the CBSE to force students to sit for exams under the prevailing circumstances. Board exams should either be cancelled, rescheduled or arranged in a manner that does not require the physical presence of children at crowded exam centres”
It is downright irresponsible of boards like the CBSE to force students to sit for exams under the prevailing circumstances. Board exams should either be cancelled, rescheduled or arranged in a manner that does not require the physical presence of children at crowded exam centres
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 9, 2021
She also launched a concealed attack on the government saying “While corona is ravaging our country again, the added pressure of exams is bound to affect the mental health of children. Our education system needs to drastically alter its attitude and start reflecting sensitivity and compassion towards children rather than just talk about at their conclaves and conferences”
A CBSE official addressed the concerns of students and reiterated that all covid guidelines along with all necessary precautions will be followed during the examination. “The number of exam centres has been increased by 40-50 per cent to ensure students are safe. We are also creating awareness among students and parents to follow all Covid safety guidelines,” the official told The Print
A 9-years old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam also came out in support of the students and suggested that the government and the education board department should postpone the examinations at least till June or conduct the examinations through online mode.
Hundreds of students message me to support #CancelBoardExams2021 but as some of the states has been fixed the class 10 & 12 exam in June, I feel better to postpone till June or conduct in online mode. That will be the best solution.
— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) April 8, 2021
I will always stand with the students. 🙏
The central board of secondary education finally came out and ensured the students and parents that the students will have no problems while appearing for classes’ 10th and 12th board examinations. The board gave the assurance that all Covid-19 guidelines will be followed during the examination.
In the latest, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the decision to conduct the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams should be reconsidered in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the country. In view of the alarming situation in the national capital, the Delhi CM has requested the government to cancel the examinations, news agency ANI reported.
6 lakh children in Delhi are going to write CBSE exams. Nearly 1 lakh teachers will be a part of it. These can become major hotspots leading to large-scale spreading of Corona. Children’s lives & health is very important to us. I request Centre to cancel CBSE exams: Delhi CM pic.twitter.com/EyqDfseoMU
— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2021
The Central Board of Secondary Education made an announcement on 8th April 2021 to confirm that the board examinations will be conducted as per schedule for classes 10th and 12th of the year 2021.
CBSE however has issued a statement on what students who are covid positive or are in quarantine due to a family member being covid positive have to do. In the latest circular by the board, it stated “if any candidate is absent in practical because of being Covid positive or any family member reported Covid positive, the school will conduct the practical exams of such candidates at an appropriate time in consultation with the concerned regional office but latest by June 11.”
According to a media report, Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE, says “CBSE is taking all necessary measures to conduct the CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exams as per the COVID-19 guidelines. The CBSE official made the statement while speaking at a discussion session of a private educational institute. The CBSE official said that the number of examination centres have been increased from 5000 to 7000 by the Board and strict covid protocols will be maintained throughout the centers to ensure the safety of students.”