Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 19: The Private Schools United Front (PSUF) has asked the Government to conduct the examination in November-December and revoke its earlier decision of holding the same in March. They have proposed a formula of holding exams for classes upto 8th standard in November and for higher classes in March.
The front issued the statement after representatives of more than 100 schools from all over the valley met today to discuss the Government’s examination policy. “We thoroughly discussed the issue but couldn’t find any logic in the Government policy that was taken unilaterally by them,” said G N Var, general secretary PSUF.
“Before formulating the policy they have not even thought of segregating primary, middle, higher secondary and university classes. All are being measured unfairly with a single rod, he added.”
The representatives formed a new body to connect member and non-member schools under Private Schools Associations Coordination Committee, which would take up the issue with Government in coming days. “We have asked the Government to allow us to conduct exams for all classes upto 8th standard in the first week of November with a provision of no student being failed or demoted,” said Var. “For flood affected students there would be a mass promotion based on their previous term records, he added.”
The front said that private schools are with Government if they want to continue the March session for higher classes. “We are ready for everything, but first they should talk to stakeholders. I don’t know what is their problem in discussing any policy with public, I wonder is this a democracy or a dictatorship of officials,” said Var.
The front said that incase Government does not change its stand on exams then they may take other steps. “We have convened a mega conference of all private schools on 23rd of October and on that day we will take a final call in case Government doesn’t budge,” said Var. “We are seriously mulling to launch a statewide agitation in support of our genuine demands.”
The front also criticized the authorities for projecting only the losses suffered by Government Education Department and not the private schools. “They suffered Rs 165 crore loss but what about private schools who have suffered a loss of Rs 400 crores, said Var.
The front also asked the Government to extend the registration of private schools for next five years as many schools have lost their paperwork. “We have to apply for registration every one or two years, but for now the Government should freeze it for next five years,” said Var.
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