The Karnataka Government is conducting Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC/Class 10) examinations between 25th June and 4 July amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state. 8 lakh students will be appearing for exams from today.
States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu have canceled the exams and carried out mass promotion of the students to the next year.
Such decisions of conducting examinations amidst the Covid-19 pandemic was resisted by both, eminent educationists and activists from across the state.
The COVID cases are soaring at jet speeds all across the state including the state capital, Bengaluru. In this backdrop, it was argued that such decisions would jeopardize the health and lives of students. This would also affect the health and lives of parents and families of the students too.
In addition, the pressure to take up exams amidst the grave situation could also affect the mental health and demoralize the students.
Despite several students and parents raising concerns about their health and safety, Karnataka government has decided to go ahead with the SSLC exams across the state from Thursday.#SSLCexams #Karnataka #covid19crisis @nimmasureshhttps://t.co/xiUkRH0pxe
— EducationWorld India (@EWPortal) June 25, 2020
However, the state was hell-bent to not heed to multiple requests to futher postpone or scrap SSLC examinations for the academic year. The state’s Minister of Education was unwilling to consider the scrapping of exams even when the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana did so.
Though several politicians and parents urged for the postponement or cancellation of the exams, the Govt. has decided to conduct them, so I urge all students to be careful and strictly follow the guidelines to avoid further spreading of the virus. pic.twitter.com/fFC91kSlo0
— Sowmya Reddy (@Sowmyareddyr) June 24, 2020
The neighboring states decided to evaluate and promote students based on their scores in previous exams and attendances. Instead of exploring other possibilities, the state took to conduct the examinations. State Minister of Education S Suresh Kumar was vocal that the state had made all necessary arrangements.
Former CM @hd_kumaraswamy, in a series of tweets on Tuesday, urged the government to postpone the #SSLCexams at least till October.https://t.co/U67MY0ZLNh
— Deccan Herald (@DeccanHerald) June 24, 2020
More than 8,48,000 students have taken up the exams this year across 2879 examination centres. It was reported that 43,720 classrooms were allocated for the conduct of examinations. The measures taken up by the state government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during examinations included sanitization of schools. Other measures to ensuure physical distancing, thermal screening of students, provisioning of masks and free transportation for the students were also taken up.
Students follow social distancing norms as they leave an exam center in #Karnataka after completing their first #SSLCExam. Exams are scheduled to be held till July 4. @IndianExpress @ralpharakal
Live updates: https://t.co/SUWqs6pLlR pic.twitter.com/ZUV33Xc516
— Express Bengaluru (@IEBengaluru) June 25, 2020
Students follow social distancing norms as they leave an exam center in #Karnataka after completing their first #SSLCExam. Exams are scheduled to be held till July 4. @IndianExpress @ralpharakal
Live updates: https://t.co/SUWqs6pLlR pic.twitter.com/ZUV33Xc516
— Express Bengaluru (@IEBengaluru) June 25, 2020
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