Education dept’s tryst with controversy continues
Flawed question papers issued to primary class students
Srinagar: There seems to be no end to the shockers from the education department as the authorities have been once again exposed for making the mockery of examinations.
This time it is not the issue of secondary or senior secondary exams but the department has failed to set the question paper of lower-class students whose annual (term II) exams commenced on Thursday.
The school education department had slated English paper for class 5th to 7th on Thursday and the examinations are being conducted by the authorities in respective District Institute of Education and Training (DIETs).
But in Ganderbal district the DIET authorities had set a flawed question paper for students of class 5th and 7th, leaving students shocked.
“On front page of the question paper the paper setter had mentioned that there are a total of 11 questions for which total marks will be 40. But the paper had only seven questions with only 24 marks,” said a school teacher who was deputed for exam duty.
The question paper set for class 5th students had same flaws as the paper setter had mentioned there will be 11 questions for 40 marks but inside the aggregate weightage of the paper was only 36.
“The students were left in distress because the exam staff was also confused after going through the papers of both these classes,” he said.
He said the staff conveyed the concerned officials in DIET but they passed the buck and asked the teachers to manage it accordingly at the exam centres.
“They didn’t show any concern for the students and students were motivated to attempt the question,” he said.
The teachers said the DIET authorities convened more than 10 meetings before exams and impressed the examination staff to ensure the smooth conduct of exams. “But the seriousness was exposed today after the students received flawed question paper,” the teacher said.
Principal State Institute of Education (SIE) Mehboob Hussaain, who supervises all the DIETs, when contacted said action will be initiated against the DIET officials particularly the paper setter.
“We will take up the issue with DIET principal and action will be initiated accordingly. But students should not feel panic. They will be awarded marks on basis of their performance,” he said.
KV Correspondent
