The PM said that students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation.
TFM Desk
CBSE Class XII board examination for 2021 has been cancelled because of the prevailing situations induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. CBSE will take steps to compile the results of class XII students as per well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner. Like last year, in case some students desire to take the exams, such an option would be provided to them by CBSE, as and when the situation becomes conducive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a review meeting regarding the Class XII board exams of CBSE. Officials gave a detailed presentation on the wide and extensive consultation held so far and views received from all stakeholders, including state governments, according to PIB.
Given the uncertain conditions due to COVID and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it was decided that the Class XII board exams would not be held this year. It was also decided that CBSE will take steps to compile the results of class XII students as per well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner
The Prime Minister said that the decision on Class XII CBSE exams has been taken in the interest of students. He stated that COVID-19 has affected the academic calendar and the issue of board exams has been causing immense anxiety among students, parents and teachers, which must be put to an end.
The PM said that the COVID-19 situation is a dynamic situation across the country. While the numbers are coming down in the country and some states are managing the situation through effective micro-containment, some states have still opted for a lockdown. Students, parents and teachers are naturally worried about the health of the students in such a situation. The PM said that students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation.
The Prime Minister stressed that the health and safety of our students are of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect. He said that in today’s time, such exams cannot be the reason to put our youth at risk.
The PM said that all stakeholders need to show sensitivity to students. The PM directed officials to ensure that the results are prepared following well-defined criteria, in a fair and time-bound manner.
Referring to the wide consultative process, PM Modi expressed appreciation that a student-friendly decision has been reached after consulting all stakeholders from across the length and breadth of India. He also thanked the states for providing feedback on this issue.
The Prime Minister had earlier held a high-level meeting on May 21, 2021, which was attended by ministers and officials. Thereafter a meeting under the chairmanship of the Union Defence Minister was held on May 23, 2021, which was attended by the education ministers of states. Various options for the conduct of CBSE examinations were discussed in the meeting and feedback obtained from the states and UTs, the PIB release stated.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by union ministers of Home, Defence, Finance, Commerce, Information & Broadcasting, Petroleum and Women & Child Development Ministries and principal secretary to PM, cabinet secretary and secretaries of School Education & Higher Education Departments and other officials.