PSAK has no authority to announce decision on conduct of examination
Srinagar, Nov 16 : Directorate of School Education Kashmir has written to the government that lower classes have not read anything from the Term-2 syllabus and appropriate decision may be taken in the interest of students at large, about conducting annual examinations.
Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Director School Education, Kashmir, told KNS that they have written to the government about the facts on ground.
“We have communicated to government that students have not read the term-2 syllabus. We hope that the decision from the government may come within two or three days,” he said.
He said that term-2 begins usually from July. “We are aware about the facts. Schools have remained closed from past four months now. Students of lower classes have not read anything from the term-2 syllabus,” he said.
He added that class 11 students, who were appearing in Term-1 examination, are yet to appear in pending papers.
“The term-1 tests of class 11 were going on when unrest erupted. However, the decision about conducting examination of class 11 is prerogative of Board of School education,” he said.
Asked, if his office has recommended mass promotion for the lower classes, he said: “It is the government that will take decision. I have communicated facts to it.”
Meanwhile, sources told KNS, that education minister Naeem Akhter is personally looking into the matter. “The Minister is likely to announce final decision in this regard shortly,” they said.
On November 12, this year, Private Schools Association of Kashmir (PSAK) announced to provide “provisional promotion” to all classes except class 10th and 12th with immediate effect.
“Private Schools Association Kashmir has no authority to announce any decision on the conduct of examination from nursery to class 7th. It is holy and soly the Education Department of the Jammu and Kashmir government which has to take the decision on the conduct of examinations,” he said while responding the decision announced by PSAK.
Replying to a question on fee payments in private schools Director School Education Kashmir said since a public interest litigation on fee waiver is pending disposal before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court the authorities of Private Schools should not enforce any decision on fee payment till the PIL is decided by the court.
On March 7, 2015, within days of government formation, the then Mufti Muhammad Sayeed-led Coalition Government ended uncertainty on the flood-hit 2014 academic session of Kashmir division and winter zone of Jammu division by announcing mass promotion to all students from Class I to Class XI with the exception of class X.
The schools have remained closed from July 8, this year. (KNS)