Journalism of Courage
Five executive members of the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) led by Bhaskarbhai Patel have suggested that the board examinations for Class X be dropped.
In a proposal submitted to board chairperson R R Varsani,the members cited the example of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) where the board exams for Class X had been dropped.
They suggested that schools concerned be asked to conduct their own examinations for Class X students. If the proposals are accepted,Gujarat would be the first state in the country to follow CBSE pattern in dropping the board exams for Class X students.
Giving reasons for dropping the board exams,they said it would not only relieve the students and their parents of the mental stress and strain they had to undergo for preparation of board tests,it would also save parents expenditure on arranging tuition for the students.
Another reason,they said,was that the Class X students,mostly in the age group of 14-15 were immature and the overall board results was hardly 50 per cent as per record. And most of the failed students dropped out.
According to Patel,about 10 lakh students appeared at Class X. But if the exams were conducted by the school themselves,the proposals said that there were chances of 100 per cent of students passing the tests and they would be promoted to the next higher class and this would improve the education scene in the state.
When asked,what will happen to the students wishing to join diploma engineering and pharmacy courses after Class X because the diploma colleges gave admissions only to those candidates having passed the board exams? Patel said Gujarat Technical Examination Board could conduct entrance examinations for diploma admissions. According to him,this would solve the problem.
A senior board official,when contacted,said the proposals were under consideration. But no decision was yet taken on it.
