Despite several students and parents raising concerns about their health and safety, Karnataka government has decided to go ahead with the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate or 10th standard) exams across the state from Thursday.

The education department officials however, claim that they have taken all precautionary measures to ensure safety of students and staff at the exam centres. The state education minister S Suresh Kumar defended his decision to conduct the exams saying that they have taken the decision in the best interest of students after consulting experts, opposition leaders and others. “We have made all required arrangements and are following all standard procedures prescribed by the health department.” He said all the exam centres have been sanitised by the health department and special arrangement has been made for students in containment zones to appear for exams. There are 501 containment zones across 46 wards in Bangalore.

8.5 lakh students will be appearing for Karnataka SSLC exams between June 25 and July 4. The minister said 19 students who will miss the exams, as 10 of them have tested Covid-19 postitive and the rest are in quarantine, will be allowed to take supplementary exams in August as fresh candidates.

JDS leader and former CM Kumaraswamy slammed the move of the government. Asking the state to reconsider its decision, he said, “Life is more important than exams. Will the minister take responsibility if something untoward happens? If they are so keen on conducting exams, they can conduct it in October.”

Source: Hindustan Times

Read: Karnataka: Cancel SSLC exams, promote all students, says experts