The opposition from Maharashtra Rajya Shikshan Sanstha Mahamandal (MRSSM) to unified school examinations continued on Tuesday too. According to its Executive Member Ravindra Fadnavis, the Government should at least take the safety of students of Class 1 to 5 into account. “If not all students, at least consider the safety of students of Class 1 to 5. State should conduct their examinations early so that these young students will not have to face issue of scorching heat.

 

Nobody is pondering over the issues related to the examinations,” pointed out Fadnavis. While addressing mediapersons, Fadnavis alleged, “We still haven’t understood as to why Government is insisting on holding examinations in this manner. This will not only create problems for us but for students also.” “The schools are ready to hold annual examinations of Class 1 to 5 in the morning hours till April 17, 2025. Students too are prepared as schools had already informed them that the examinations would begin on March 25. Surprisingly in the timetable issued by Government, the examinations of students of Class 6 to 9 are scheduled earlier. As per the timetable, examinations for Class 1 to 5 are planned in later part of the month. This is very dangerous. If these little children suffer from scorching heat then who would be held responsible?” questioned Fadnavis.

 

“The rising temperature has added to the woes of all of us. Students living in urban area have the transport facilities but those living in villages have to cover distance of 2 to 5 km without any proper transport facilities. Whether the issues of village students are considered or not is a million dollar question,” pointed out Fadnavis. The examinations began on Tuesday and majority schools finally haven’t received the question papers as per the number of students enrolled. “I got around 12,000 question papers photocopied. But the department told us clearly that it won’t pay for the photocopies. This is bizarre. They are not providing adequate copies, and not paying if we get photocopies done. Then they should tell us how should we conduct the examinations?” said Fadnavis.

 

“On Tuesday, the paper of Class 9 was leaked in Pune. It has gone viral on social media with the answers, which means students must have availed the benefit. But the Education Department has not uttered a single word, except registering FIR. We still have no idea whether the paper will be cancelled or not,” Ravindra Fadnavis made it clear. On Monday, High Court had asked Education Officers to take decision regarding examinations as per the situation in their areas. Students will stay in schools for almost 5 hours, during that time schools have to take every care for them. Secondly, as per the rules and regulations, the responsibility of students lie on schools. The managements have to take care that the students reach homes safely. No decision has been taken regarding court orders, added Fadnavis.