Karnataka: SSLC exams begin on smooth note as students, staff follow safety protocol

BENGALURU: Having learnt lessons from the II PU examination held last week, Karnataka on Thursday conducted the first SSLC paper — second language — for over 7.7 lakh students without any major glitch. Each of the 2,879 centres was micro-managed with help of officials from various departments to ensure students wrote the exam safely.
When the pending II PU English exam was conducted on June 18, social distancing had gone for a toss at many centres.Students didn’t adhere to safety norms, gathering around notice boards and celebrating once the exam was over — while parents crowded outside the centres.

This time, the education department was more prepared. Students started walking in as early as 8am for the 10.30am paper at many centres. Staff, including physical education teachers and police personnel, ensured gaps were maintained in queues. A 200m area around centres was cordoned off. Parents were asked to stay out and maintain distance and were constantly reminded by officials on public address systems.
Students were given masks and hand sanitisers, and were made to undergo temperature checks. Mobiles were confiscated in case students were carrying them. They were quickly guided to their respective rooms — biscuits and drinking water were available.
While most parents who came to drop their children were anxious, they left relieved on seeing that social-distancing norms were followed. “I was worried about my daughter’s safety but after witnessing the number of precautions in place, I feel much better,” said Krishnamurthy G, who was waiting at a safe distance from the gate of BHS Poornaprajna Vidyaniketana School on RV Road.
Many were unhappy with the government not cancelling the exams, but some were glad they would finally get over. “The exams have been delayed enough. Children have been under stress for three months now. I feel for those who have to wait till August,” said Amrutha G, a parent at Mohre Public School, Horamavu.
Some parents said they found it difficult to commute as not many BMTC buses were available. “We were worried as there was a delay in getting a bus. Their number is fewer than what we had expected. We have to be more careful for the next exam,” said a parent from Nayandenahalli who arrived at Kengeri High School.
Some were tense thinking students may mingle after the exam. Sushma Kumar, a parent said: “I will wait here till the exam is over because I want to make sure my son doesn’t loiter once he’s out. These kids are excited to see their friends and will throw caution to the wind.”
Students marched out in neat lines with gaps at 1.30pm. But the crowd began to swell as parents returned to pick up their kids. When parents and students lingered around, officials asked them to move away. However, their control ended after the immediate neighbourhood. Some kids who came alone socialised, catching up on what they’d missed out on during the lockdown.