The protest against off-line examinations of Standard X and XII by the students (?), appears to be politically motivated. The results of the last two years of examinations through internal marks was almost 100 percent.
Those who are not sure of clearing the examinations might have indulged in staging protests against the proposed off-line examination this year. The School Education Minister was determined to conduct examinations in off-line mode. The sudden violent protest by the students, that too of the tender age of 16 to 18 years, is not normal.
The issue, on careful scrutiny, indicates that those who have not been able to clear the Board examinations must have thought of protesting off-line exams. Clearing these examinations opens doors for several avenues, as minimum eligibility is fixed at these levels.
One ‘Hindusthani Bhau’ might be held for instigating the students to stage such a protest. However, the education system, which lays emphasis on marks scored in these examinations, also needs attention.
When a majority of parents opine in favour of starting off-line classes in schools and colleges, some students opposing off-line examinations and indulging in violent demonstrations is difficult to digest.
Although the New Education Policy has emphasised on inculcating skills among the students, the desired change in the education system and attitude of the students and parents will require decades. Activity-Based Education is a first step towards improving the learning of subjects that are labelled ‘Killer Subjects’. History indicates that those who faced difficulties in clearing traditional examinations, achieved great success in various activities of their choice, in their life.
The motive behind the violent protest by the students will be investigated by the police. But the issue is also an eye-opener for the parents, students and academicians.
