The Bengaluru government is likely to promote all students from classes 1 to 9 to the next class amid the rise in Covid-19 cases. Meanwhile, private schools have decided to conduct exams and have sought the government’s view on this.

The issue of promoting all students was discussed in a meeting held with the state Covid-19 technical advisory committee and officials of the Home, Health and Family Welfare departments on Sunday, March 28.

While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said, “We discussed various issues. Promoting kids up to grade 9 was also one of them.”

He added, “Covid cases are increasing and the measures which we have taken are not enough. Tomorrow we have a meeting with the chief minister to discuss about the precautionary measures needed to control the spread of the virus.”

Regarding promotion of students, he said, “Schools may or may not conduct exams but every student should be promoted. This will also be discussed with the chief minister.”

Primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar said that no such decision has been regarding promotion of students.

Meanwhile, the private school management association has decided to conduct the exams. The Associated Managements of Private Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has issued an advisory to its member schools in this regard. 

In a letter to Suresh Kumar, the association stated, “We (private schools) have completed the syllabus and also started revision classes. Considering the spike in Covid-19 cases and following requests from parents, we have decided to complete the examinations for all classes, except 10 and 12 and declare summer vacation. In this regard, we request the government to give suggestions, if any, in two days.” 

D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, KAMS said, “For classes 10 and 12 and declare issued the time table. For others, we must finish the exams as teh cases are increasing. Even the teachers need a break.”

Source: Deccan Herald

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