PM Modi announces there will be no CBSE Class 12 Board exams this year, saying the decision was taken in students’ interest. This conclusion was made due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Government of India has decided to cancel the Class XII CBSE Board Exams. After extensive consultations, we have taken a decision that is student-friendly, one that safeguards the health as well as future of our youth. https://t.co/vzl6ahY1O2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2021
PMO’S office released statements saying that the health and safety of students are of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect. Anxiety among students, parents and teachers must come to an end. And Students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation. All stakeholders need to show sensitivity to students.
Modi further stated that all stakeholders need to show sensitivity for the students, parents and their teachers.
The PM’s decision came at the end of a meeting that was held today on the matter. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, and Manoj Ahuja Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), including other officials, attended the meeting.
The PMO release said CBSE will now have to take steps to accumulate the results of Class 12 students as per well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound aspect.
The decision to cancel the exam this year comes two days ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the matter, during which the Central government is expected to file its response on a plea. On May 31, the court adjourned the hearing to June 3 after the government sought time to decide.
During a May 23 meeting, CBSE had preferred to hold the exam between July 15 and August 26. It also recommended two options; one was regular exams in 19 major subjects at respective centres, another was short-duration exams at schools where the students are registered.
Modi said that Covid -19 had affected the academic calendar and the board exam issue has caused immense anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end.
He said that the Covid-19 situation is vital in the country. The number of cases decreases with several states managing the condition through effective micro-containment, while some states are still opting for a lockdown.
Students, parents, and teachers are concerned about students’ health in such a situation, stating that students should not be forced to appear for exams in such stressful conditions.
(Inputs from the agency)
