Caught in incessant uncertainty over class 5,8 and 9 annual assessments in Karnataka, school students, their parents and teachers are in an anxious state.

In Karnataka, the dilemma over whether the board conducted exams nomenclature as annual assessments will be conducted as the government and a private schools association is at loggerheads and the matter is pending before the court.

NGOs and child helplines across the state have now been flooded with calls from anxious children and parents seeking help to resolve their concerns.

Nagasimha G Rao, director, Child Rights Trust has written a letter to the minister of School education and literacy, Madhu Bangarappa seeking a resolve and reassurance from the department to console students.  

“Children have a right to education and a right to live. This decision paralysis is doing no good for children. If the same continues and they are unsure of whether they should be prepared to face exams, it is bound to affect their mental wellbeing. We have been flooded with calls from anxious children on how they must deal with the situation” Rao said.

Meanwhile, Chidananda PE, member, Voice of Parents said that the “obstinate resolve” of the government to conduct the exams has taken precedence over children’s wellbeing.

“When it came to the Hijab issue, there was no delay in rolling back what the BJP had introduced as it fit congress’ agenda well. When they know these exams proposed by the previous government have caused so much inconvenience, why not roll it back?” he questioned.

Chidananda said that while teachers were unable to plan for the next academic year, parents said that their much-awaited summer holiday plans were ruined because of this uncertainty.

D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Private Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) said that parents, children, and school managements are affected by the situation severely. “We are all awaiting the judgement. In the process, children are concerned over whether they must be prepared to face board exams. Keeping them in a dilemma is inducing anxiety,” he said. 

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