Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: Scores of Class 10 students on Tuesday turned up at official residence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik seeking a clarity on the confusion surrounding the conduct of the Matriculation (High School Certificate) examination.

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha government has postponed all the examinations including the Class 10 and Plus II examinations in view of the surge in the Covid-19 cases in the State.

As per the official announcement, the Class 10 (Matriculation) examination which was earlier scheduled to start from May 3 has been postponed. A final decision to hold the exam will be taken after a review of the Covid-19 situation.

As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) have cancelled the upcoming Board examinations for Class 10 students, the students in Odisha are also demanding for cancellation of the Matriculation exam.

After failing to meet the CM, the students later staged a dharna near Forest park. Earlier, the students reportedly had met School and Mass Education, Samir Ranjan Dash urging him to clear the confusion as it was announced that the State government will take a final call on the conduct of the matriculation after reviewing the Covid situation.

“As already board exams have been cancelled by CBSE, CISCE, we want the Odisha government to cancel the matriculation exam. We are in lot of pressure as we do not know whether we should study for Class 10 board exam or prepare for higher studies,” said a student.

Another student said, “The Covid-19 situation has aggravated in the State and the new strain is also affecting children and youngsters. We are not feeling safe to appear in the board exam.”

Later, School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Dash said, “Around 20 to 25 students had come and they have submitted a memorandum demanding cancellation of exam. Already CM had announced to take appropriate action after reviewing Covid situation in June. Keeping in view the agony of students, we have decided to review the situation and take necessary measures soon.”

Dash further said, “The department is reviewing all aspects and all options are open. We will take urgent measures to address the grievances of students.”

 

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