‘Outside’ students to answer Goa Board exams in their hometown?

Team Herald

PANJIM: With COVID-19 cases in the State witnessing a spike, the government is contemplating to allow students from the neighbouring districts to answer the Goa Board examinations in their hometown instead of bringing them into Goa borders. This will be subject to the approval from Collectors of the respective neighbouring districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Sources informed Herald that Goa government will announce its decision after a reply communiqué from the Collectors of the neighbouring districts. 

“There are students from Sindhudurg and other bordering districts. They will also be answering the Goa Board exams along with students from our State. Since COVID-19 cases in Goa are witnessing a spike, the government is mooting the plan to allow the former students to answer the exams in their respective home districts,” a senior education official said.

The Goa government is adamant on its decision to hold the Class X and Class XII Board examinations, starting from May 21. As a part of its existing plan, the Goa Board decided to designate a primary school, located closer to the borders, as the examination centres. The students will then be ferried into the State borders through government-sponsored transport for answering the papers and soon thereafter taken back. However, the plan could change in view of the present circumstance.

The official revealed that they have approached the Collectors of the neighbouring districts seeking permission to hold the exam in their jurisdiction. An official announcement, confirming the move, is likely to be made by Monday.

“We cannot make any comment at the moment since we have made request letters to the Collectors of the concerned neighbouring districts, for allowing these students to answer the board exams in their jurisdictions. Once the Goa government receives reply, we will officially declare the revised plan,” he said.