Mysore/Mysuru: A whopping 72.6 percent of respondents are against conducting the SSLC annual examination due to the current second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

This came to light during a survey conducted by the Karnataka State Child Rights Protection Commission (KSCRPC)  seeking people’s opinion on conducting examination. The Commission had contacted 59.6 percent of parents whose children are studying in Government Schools, 16.6 percent of parents of students studying in Private Schools and 23.8 percent of parents whose wards are in Aided schools. All of them have opposed holding SSLC examination in the current situation. Besides, the survey conducted in rural areas has also revealed that a majority of parents have said ‘no’ to exams. The respondents included tribes, teachers, SDME members and parents. The compilation of public opinion had been handed over to the Department of Public Instructions two days ago.

Few wants exam: The Commission noted that only 27.4 percent of respondents have batted for exam that too if the State Government takes all precautionary measures. One of the recommendations has been creating the safety atmosphere. A majority of teachers have opined that it was not feasible to hold exam since offline classes have not been held. Besides, it was very risky to ask the students to appear for examination in view of the current COVID crisis.

Commission’s recommendations

• Cancel the annual SSLC exam this year; • Make alternative arrangements on the lines of CBSE; • Restrict online classes to urban areas; • Resume Vidyagama for rural kids; • Provide nutritious food for kids; • Supply text books and learning material to students wherever they are.

State Government must cancel the annual SSLC exam on the lines of CBSE and other Central examination due to COVID and also in the interest of children. —M.L. Parshuram, Member, Karnataka State Child Rights Protection Commission