"If positivity rate drops below 2%, HS, HSLC exams will be held mid-July," CM; "Students in support of examination," he adds

Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has cleared the air as far as Class X and Class XII examinations are concerned. At a press conference earlier today, Sarma said that the Ministry has discussed the matter with various stakeholders including the students’ associations. “The students, parents are in favour of holding examinations,” is what he said the ministry gathered after discussions.

Sarma added, “If by July 1, 2021, the positivity rate in Assam drops below 2%, the examinations will be held in the period between July 15 and July 20. If the positivity rate remains over 2% the examinations will stand cancelled the schools and colleges will evaluate on the basis of internal assessments. The specifics of the same will be announced by the Education Minister of Assam.”

He also added that there are several government policies that are linked with the examinations. “If we do not hold the examinations, how will we provide laptops under the Anondoram Baruah scheme or how will we provide scooters under the Pragyan Bharati Scooty Scheme 2020. In order to execute these programmes, we need to hold the examinations,” added the Chief Minister.

Though he mentioned Bullet for male students during his election campaigns, there was no such mention today at his press conference. As of now, the scooters are only provided to female students who qualify higher secondary seeking first division mark.

The chief minister made it clear that the safety of the students is of paramount importance. “As the guardians, we will not risk the lives of students. The examinations will only take place if the positivity rate drops below 2%. Also, it will be a straightforward objective type question with an opportunity of securing full marks. Moreover, all physical distancing protocols will be maintained and the specifics will be announced by the Education department,” asserted Himanta Biswa Sarma.

According to him, the decision has been taken keeping in mind the future of the students. “We cannot delay the examinations, nor can we take a risk with more than 2% positivity, so, this is what we have decided. My suggestion to students would be to study considering there will be a test in July,” he concluded.