JKBOSE decides to conduct 10th & 12th annual exams
Kashmir News Bureau Exclusive
J&K 08 October (KNB): After the government announced reopening of schools in J&K, parents from different corners of the valley have alleged that school authorities have not taken strict measures to ensure the safety of their children (students) in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The parents allege the government has completely failed to provide the basic protection from Covid-19 for our wards.
“Our children told us that many students are attending classes without wearing a mask, let alone maintaining a distance of 1 meter from each other”, a parent said.
Another parent said, “I went to school of my ward and unfortunately I saw no social distancing even some of the students were roaming without masks. When I complained about such kind of leniency to the authority but my efforts went all in vein.”
Important to know that education ministry released guidelines for the reopening of schools, including for a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises, flexibility in attendance, no assessment for up to three weeks and ensuring a smooth transition from home-based schooling during the coronavirus-induced lockdown to formal schooling.
In a set of guidelines for a gradual reopening of schools from October 15, the ministry said, “Schools must arrange and implement for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteens, washrooms, laboratories, libraries on school campuses and ensure air flow in an indoor space.”
“Schools may be encouraged to make their own SOPs based on the guidelines issued by states and UTs, keeping in view the safety and physical or social-distancing norms, and ensuring that the notices, posters, messages, communication to parents in this regard are prominently displayed and disseminated,” it said.
The ministry stated, “Flexible attendance and sick leave policies may be developed and implemented to encourage students and staff to stay at home when sick. Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents. Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school”.
“There shall be no assessment up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening and use of ICT and online learning shall continue to be encouraged,” it said.
Universities and schools across the country were ordered shut on March 16 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. On March 25, the Centre announced a nationwide lockdown. While several restrictions have been eased gradually in different phases of the “unlock” since June 8.
On the other hand, J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has decided to conduct the annual examination for classes 10th and 12th after November 15. The decision in regard to 11th and lower classes will be taken later.
Chairperson JKBOSE, Veena Pandita said that the class 10th and 12th exams will be conducted in offline mode while taking all Covid-19 precautionary measures in all the exam centers.
“We delayed the conduct of exams to November as students demanded that they should be given ample time for preparation. So we are planning to start the exam for both the classes (10th and 12th) after November 15,” she said.
However, She informed that these exams would be conducted simultaneously on alternative days. “ We are hopeful that exams of both the classes will be over by 20th December,” she added.
The Chairperson also stated that a meeting of the academic committee JKBOSE will be convened in the coming days and decisions about conducting the exams of lower classes will be taken accordingly.
“Decision about holding exams for class 11th students will be taken after the meeting,” she said.
In August, JKBOSE explained the students of 10th and 12th regarding the syllabus for the exams. “30% of the syllabus has not been reduced. We had said that if students will attempt 70% questions in the exams that will be treated as 100%. For example, if there are 10 questions, students can attempt only 7. These 7 will be considered as 100%. It is up to the students whether they cover 70% or 100% syllabus,” Secretary BOSE, Riyaz Ahmad affirmed.
The explanation came against the backdrop of the recent government announcement to curtail the syllabus by 30%.
“Syllabus for 10+2 class exams reduced to 70% for JKUT… This also applies to 10th class syllabus,” tweeted Asgar Samoon (Principal Secretary to Government, School Education and Skill Development) on August 15.The Jammu and Kashmir government informed that the annual examination for classes 10th, 11th and 12th in Kashmir division and winter zone of Jammu division shall be conducted through offline mode while following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other guidelines in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. (KNB)