CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday announced cancellation of Class XII state board exams in view of the Covid-19 second wave in several parts of Tamil Nadu and considering the possibility of a third wave.
A committee headed by school education secretary will decide on the evaluation criteria to award marks to Class XII students and college admissions will be done based on those marks, the CM said.
The decision comes three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled CBSE Class XII board exams.
Stalin also wrote a letter to the PM on Saturday urging him to cancel national-level entrance exams such as NEET as the “reasons stated for cancelling Class XII exams are applicable for entrance exams too”.
“I am of the strong view that conducting national-level exams would be immensely detrimental to the health of students,” the CM said in his letter.
“Our state may be allowed to fill all professional seats, including MBBS seats, on the basis of Class XII marks alone as we have always emphasized.
I am sure that you would appreciate the fairness of my request and will act upon it favourably,” the CM said.
The state government held discussions with parents, teachers, educationists, health experts and political parties over the past three days on conducting Class XII exams.
During the legislature parties meeting held on Saturday, except five parties including the BJP, the PMK, the CPI and the CPM, other parties wanted board exams to be held.
“Though there were mixed opinions on conducting the exam from various quarters, all of them wanted to ensure the safety of children.
Covid-19 second wave was still raging in the state and health experts also predicted a third wave.
However, the state government cannot vaccinate Class XII students as they are below 18 years,” Stalin said in his statement.
Medical experts advised that If students who have not got vaccinated were asked to come at one place to write exams, it may lead to spreading of Covid-19, “the CM said.
“Though the state government was still firm on its policy of conducting college admissions based on Class XII exam marks, doctors say postponing the exam further will affect the students mentally.
Based on the medical advice and recommendations by others, the state government is cancelling Class XII state board exams,” Stalin said.
The state government has formed a committee headed by school education secretary to decide on the evaluation criteria and award of marks for students.
The committee will also include higher education secretary, Madras University vice-chancellor, and school headmasters.
Based on the committee’s report, marks would be awarded and admissions to higher educational institutions would be based on these marks, Stalin said.
“Though the decision to cancel the exams has been taken in view of students’ health and safety, the Tamil Nadu government will ensure that admissions to higher educational institutions are not affected,” he further said.