HSLC & HS exams cancelled due to COVID-19 situation in Assam

 RESULTS BEFORE JULY 31

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Putting an end to all speculations, the HSLC (High School Leaving Certificate) and the HS (Higher Secondary) examinations, 2021, have been cancelled in the State. The decision has been taken given the COVID-19 situation prevailing in the State. The results of both HSLC and HS students will be declared before July 31.

The State Education Department had a marathon brainstorming with the AASU (All Assam Students' Union), ABSU (All Bodo Students' Union), AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) and many other students' organizations of the State on Friday. Taking all pros and cons into consideration the meeting decided not to hold HSLC and HS examinations this year.

After the meeting, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu told the media that the decision was taken taking the academic year of the students and their health in view. "The critical situation that has been prevalent in the State concerning the COVID-19 is not conducive for holding examinations," Pegu said.

Pegu further said, "The first question we confront after the cancellation of the examinations is results. We are going to form two high-power committees – one each for HSLC and HS – to devise modalities for the assessment of students' performances.

"Within a week the two committees will devise their respective modalities and submit. The credits (marks) will be given to the students based on their performances in schools. We had talks with experts on this issue.

"Both the SEBA (Board of Secondary Education, Assam) and the AHSEC (Assam Higher Secondary Education Council) are ready to declare the results before July 31, 2021, if the two committees submit the modalities for the assessment of students' performances in time."

The cancellation of HSLC and HS examinations is a foregone conclusion with the State Health Department giving a presentation before the Cabinet on Wednesday last on the would-be consequences of holding examinations in the State. The Department was against holding the examinations in the prevailing situation, risking the lives of around 4.40 lakh HSLC and around 2.50 lakh HS students, besides teachers and other staffers.

The State Cabinet also expressed its reluctance to hold the HSLC and HS examinations given the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the State.

After the meeting, AASU's chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharjya said, "We were involved in this issue right from the beginning. This is because here comes the question of the students' life. Even after the CBSE and other State boards cancelling the examinations of Class 10 and 12, we're trying to find out a device to conduct the examinations in the State. However, when the Health Department doesn't allow the examinations, we can't oppose it. However, our point of view is that the evaluation process should be a perfect one.

"The two committees that the government is going to form should comprise only eminent educationists, not others."

Also Read: HSLC & HS Exams: Education Department to Take a Final Call Today

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