Schools are facing persisting problems in conducting unified examinations for Class 1 to 9. The examinations are beginning from Tuesday and majority of schools haven’t received the question papers as per the number of students enrolled. Maharashtra Rajya Shikshan Sanstha Mahamandal (MRSSM), Executive Member Ravindra Fadnavis pointed out that if the schools don’t receive question papers in adequate number, then they won’t be able to hold examinations. Despite stiff opposition from school managments, the Education Department insisted on implementing uniform examination system for Class 1 to 9.

 

Fadnavis, in his letter written to Education Officer, informed about scarcity of question papers. Ravindra Fadnavis, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, said, “I have to get around 12,000 question papers photocopied. Apart from getting less number of question papers, there are several other issues. We have been asked to conduct examinations between 7.30 am and 9.30 am. To add to our woes, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Education Commissionerate is holding Progression Assessment Test (PAT) from 9.30 am onwards. It means these small children will be out of the schools by 12 noon. Monday’s temperature in Nagpur was recorded at 42.4 degree Celsius. The situation in Maharshtra is no different.

 

Does the School Education Department and SCERT want students to suffer from heat stroke?” On Monday, High Court asked Education Officers to take decision regarding examinations as per the situation in their areas. Fadnavis questioned, “Will the Education Officer concerned act considering the rising heat? Students will stay in schools for almost 5 hours, during that time, schools have to take care of them. Secondly, as per the rules and regulations, the responsibility of students lies on schools. The managements have to take care that the students reach home safely.” Earlier, Fadnavis had written letters to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse not to hold unified examinations.

 

He had challenged that the officers who take such unwise decisions should be sent to Vidarbha and made to stand in scorching heat. Teachers and parents across the State have been strongly opposing the sudden decision by the Education Department to hold examinations of Class 1 to 9 in a uniform manner. The examinations are to be conducted between April 8, 2025 and April 25, 2025. As per the Government schedule, all schools have to declare the results by May 1, 2025. The schools have been instructed to hold oral and practical examinations after written. The summer vacations will begin from May 2, 2025. “Government has asked schools to complete oral and practical between April 26 and April 30, 2025 and declare results by May 1. Fadnavis asked the Government to explain as to how the examinations would be conducted, evaluated and results will be declared within two days. Ravindra Fadnavis feels the examinations are being conducted in an utter state of confusion. The PAT can be conducted in June. Last year, it was held for two days in first week of April. Why the authorities are insisting to hold them now is a million dollar question, Fadnavis stated. 

 

 

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the Education Officer and Deputy Director of Education to take immediate action in the best interest of primary school students in Vidarbha. This order came after the petitioners presented their concerns regarding the school schedules and examination timings during the scorching summer heat. The decision is expected to consider past rulings and Government guidelines. The case was heard by Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi. The petition is based on the Government’s decision from April 30, 2007, which set a uniform school opening date of June 15 for all schools in Maharashtra. However, schools in Vidarbha were instructed to operate in the morning from June 15 to June 30 to avoid the extreme summer heat. In 2007, three petitions were filed against this decision which pointed out that the temperature in Vidarbha often exceeds 42°C in June.

 

The petitioners argued that students would suffer from the heat after the morning session. As a result, the original order was overturned and a new schedule was set: schools in Vidarbha would close on April 1 and reopen on June 30. In addition, the Maharashtra State Director of Educational Research issued a new examination timetable. However, it caused confusion for students of Classes 1 to 4. The petitioners argued that these younger students should have their exams first and that the decision to set the exam timetable was made without considering the local conditions of Vidarbha. Despite raising the issue with the Education Department, the petitioners received no response. However, after the Education Commissioner issued a new Government decision on March 5, 2025, the High Court ruled that education authorities should take quick action in such exceptional situations and adjust the timetable if necessary. Adv Bhanudas Kulkarni represented the petitioner Rajesh Sulbhewar and others.