Chilika/Sambalpur: At least 22 students, who were on their way to appear the Plus II exam, had a harrowing time on Wednesday when the boat carrying them got stuck in Chilika lake. However, they were rescued by another boat and were provided extra time to take the exam.
As per reports, the boat carrying the students from Janhikuda to Satpada got stuck in the lake near Mahinsakuda due to a technical failure. A boat, which was also enroute to Satpada, reportedly rescued them.
The Plus II students reached late at the exam centre, but were allowed to appear the examination and granted compensatory time following directions from the Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Dash to the district authorities and exam superintendents.
Such a risky ride to take the exam has raised serious concerns with students demanding adequate logistical arrangements for them.
"We were fortunate enough to have appeared the exam today. If another boat hadn't been there to rescue us, we would have failed to reach the exam centre. We want the administration to make some arrangements for us," said a student, Ratikant Pradhan.
The boats are often overloaded putting lives of all at risk. The administration should make some transport arrangements at least during exams, said another student, Akash Pradhan.
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On the other hand, around 40 Plus II students of Jamuna Devi College in Sambalpur failed to appear the exam as the institution was found out to be a fake one.
“We were told that the admit cards would be given on the exam day, but we did not receive. When we reached the examination centre, we found our names missing” said a student.
CHSE deputy Secretary of Sambalpur Zone, Uttam Kumar Pradhan termed the entire matter as a fraud case and said, “The council has no record of any educational institution in the name of Jamuna Devi College.”