Virus forces cancellation of CL X, XI, XII exams
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 16 2021: Education Minister S Rajen Singh has announced cancellation of the examinations to be conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (CoHSEM) .

Briefing the media at his Old Secretariat, South Block office here on Wednesday, the minister said relevant orders have also been issued regarding the cancellation of the major exams at the conference hall owing to the prevailing virulent second wave of Covid-19 pandemic in the state.

Prior to the minister's announcement, a notice issued by CoHSEM secretary Ch Biren Singh confirmed cancellation of the Class XI and XII examinations for the academic session 2021 .

It further notified that the award of marks and certificates to students shall be given after taking approval from the government.

In another notification, education (S) secretary Dr S Mangijao Singh stated that "in view of the uncertain conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it is hereby notified for information of all concerned that the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination for 2021 is cancelled".

According to minister Rajen, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts on the society, many sectors have been affected with education one of the areas of major concerns.

"It was really a tough task to decide whether the Board and Council exams shall be suspended or not.

After thorough discussion and consultation with the stakeholders concerned, local educationists and experts the government has decided to cancel this years' Class X, XII and XII exams," he said.

Rajen also informed that a 14-member committee has been constituted to develop an alternative assessment/ evaluation mechanism for assessment of the students in Class X and XII.

Commissioner (Education-S) and Director (Education-S), Manipur will be chairman and convenor of the committee respectively.

Modus operandi of the award of marks, certificates to the students shall be done by this committee with due approval of the government, he explained.

While noting that there will be diverse reaction and feelings amongst the students and guardians regarding the government's decision, Rajen conceded: "We are helpless when unprecedented situations suddenly arise in our society".

He then appealed to all concerned to understand the situation and extend cooperation to decision of the government.

He also wished the students a bright future and success.

Education commissioner M Harekrishna, director L Nandakumar Singh, chairman and secretaries of BSEM and CoHSEM and others were also present during the media briefing.

In view of the uncertain conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it is hereby notified for information of all concerned that the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination for 2021 is cancelled, said education (S) department secretary Dr S Mangijao Singh.

Earlier, considering the seriousness of the increasing COVID-19 cases, the Manipur Board of Secondary Education had postponed the board exams for Classes 10 and 12 which were scheduled to commence from May 5 .

Comment