Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Sep 24: Amid COVID-19 threat students are preparing to appear in exams which will be conducted J&K Board of School Education (J&KBOSE) and other institutions, but everyone seems to be worried about the safety of the students and the staffers who will be involved in the process.
A teacher while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “As far as board exams are concerned these have to be held offline. There cannot be any other mode. We know everyone has got safety concerns but strict instructions have been passed to follow the COVID protocol.”
An official said, “There are reports that the COVID vaccine may come by the year end. It means that we will have to wait. It’s not possible to hold examinations during winter. If the process is postponed it means students will have to wait till March and it could lead to them losing one year.”
However, Kashmir University and other varsities in the Valley have decided to hold the examinations through online mode to prevent the students from gathering at one place. “We are following the UGC guidelines. We want to ensure that students complete their degrees on time,” said a professor from KU.
He said, “COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the situation but we are ensuring that students don’t suffer. During all these months, online classes were a regular feature and now exams too will be held online.”
It’s in place to mention here that earlier this week authorities had reopened the schools for classes 9th to 12th on voluntary basis but students stayed away as parents made it amply clear that they don’t want to put the lives of their children at risk.
A medico said, “The COVID-19 virus is very much present within the community and it’s spreading at a very fast pace. For the past many days J&K has been recording more than 1000 cases daily and it’s a cause of concern. But there is a silver lining also that people are no more scared of catching COVID. They are ready to fight it out. Recovery rate has also increased.”
He said, “The only worry for everyone is how this virus will behave in winter. If it remains under check many of us believe that worst phase will be over and the vaccine will act as a protective cover. It’s just matter of time before we get rid of this pandemic. One hopes that students follow the COVID protocol while appearing for examinations as at present that’s the only safeguard.”