Manipur govt cancels board exams for Classes 10 to 12 amid COVID-19

Imphal: Amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the Manipur government on Wednesday decided to cancel the state board examinations for Classes 10, 11 and 12 for the academic year 2020-2021.

As per a notice released by the Council of Higher Secondary Education secretary Ch Biren Singh, the higher secondary and the Class XI examinations for 2021 now stand cancelled.

It further notified that the award of marks and certificates to students shall be given after taking approval from the government.

Similarly, the examination for Class 10 has been cancelled due to concerns over the growing cases of COVID-19 in the state.

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In view of the uncertain conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the feedback obtained from various stakeholders, it is hereby notified for information of all concerned that the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination for 2021 is cancelled, said education (S) department secretary Dr S Mangijao Singh.

Earlier, considering the seriousness of the increasing COVID-19 cases, the Manipur Board of Secondary Education had postponed the board exams for Classes 10 and 12 which were scheduled to commence from May 5.

Meanwhile, briefing media persons regarding the cancellation of the exams, education minister S Rajen Singh said that due to the pandemic, many sectors are being affected, including education.

“It was really a tough task to decide whether the board and council exams will be suspended or not. The government, after thorough discussion and consultation with the stakeholders and local educationalists and experts, have decided to cancel this year’s Class 10, 11 and 12 exams,” said the minister.

Singh explained that a 14-member committee has been constituted to develop an alternative assessment/evaluation mechanism for assessment of students in Class 10 and 12. Commissioner (education-S) and director (education-S), Manipur will be the chairman and convenor of the committee, respectively.

He said that there will be diverse reaction and feelings among the students and guardians regarding this new decision. “We become helpless when some unseen complications suddenly arise in our society. I appeal all to pacify themselves and cooperate with the decision of the government,” he said.

Singh also wished the students a bright future and success.