The Karnataka High Court has cancelled the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the decision of the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) to conduct the Class 10 board exams. This PIL was filed in order to quash or put an end to the SSLC 2021 exam notification issued by the board. Therefore, the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 board exams for the academic session 2020-21 shall be conducted as per the schedule. The board exams are scheduled to be conducted on two days – July 19 and July 22, 2021.
The High Court bench present for the PIL’s hearing comprised of Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar. The PIL was filed by Mr. S.V. Singre Gowda, challenging the conduction of Class 10 board exams under the pretext of COVID-19 pandemic not yet getting over. Advocate General Prabhuling Navadgi represented the state government during this HC session. Both justices dismissed the plea, stating that the SSLC exams will be held as per schedule.
During the hearing, Gowda had argued that the Karnataka government had cancelled the II-Pre-University College (PUC) or Class 12 board exams this year. Therefore, even Class 10 board exams must be cancelled owing to the same reasons. However, the Advocate retorted, explaining all the precautionary measures to be taken by the state government to smoothly conduct the Class 10 exams.
After HC dismissed the PIL, Suresh Kumar also shared his gratitude and delight regarding the decision. HC had rewarded the state government’s stance of conducting exams by dismissing the petition. This decision also safeguards the interest of students. To ensure the health and safety of all during the SSLC exams, nearly 95% of the staff has been vaccinated against COVID-19 by the state government.
Unlike previous years of conducting full-fledged subject exams on each day, SSLC exams this year, shall be conducted on two days. The first paper scheduled on July 19, 2021, will cover Science, Mathematics and Social Science. The second paper will be conducted on July 22, 2021, covering first and second languages. Both exams shall be held for 3 hours duration i.e., from 10:30 pm to 1:30 pm. S. Suresh Kumar, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education in Karnataka also reassured that all teachers shall be vaccinated a week to have them prepared for the examination.
This year, according to reports, a total of 1.33 lakh staff members shall be deployed on invigilation and other duties for the SSLC exams. Out of the total members, 1.3 lakh have received the first, implies the data integrated by the Department of Primary and Secondary Education. Moreover, a total of 48,983 members have received their second shot. Approximately 3,404 members will get vaccinated in the coming few days, stated Suresh Kumar.
