Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government’s move to make 33 % marks compulsory for Plus II first year students for promotion to second year will not be introduced from this year. However, the new rule will be implemented from next academic session, said School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Dash on Thursday.

The announcement is likely provide some relief to students as 33 % passing marks criteria for promotion to second year had sparked widespread resentment with students in several parts of the State staging demonstrations demanding its withdrawal. Apart from this, the 75% attendance system will also come into effect from next year.

Hundreds of Plus II students of Ramadevi Women’s University, Acharya Harihar College in Bhubaneswar, SCS College in Puri had staged demonstrations in protest of the CHSE decision. Following the protests, the Minister had earlier hinted in relaxing the norms.

“As per CBSE norms, we wanted to make 33 % marks compulsory for promotion into second year. The decision will not be implemented from this year rather will be introduced from next academic session,” clarified Dash.

The minister, however, clarified that there will be no change in the examination pattern and the Colleges will send the marks of students to CHSE next year. Special provisions will be made for students who will fail to secure 33 % aggregate marks in all subjects, the minister added.

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Dash further stated that the State government has decided to come up with several measures in bringing reforms in the education sector right from the elementary level. Spoken English subject will be introduced from Class-I in all schools across the State.

Besides, the government will develop 101 schools in 30 districts as centres of excellence, Dash added. The schools will get Rs 25 lakh each for soft skill and infrastructure development in this regard.

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