This story is from August 10, 2020

Corona norms go haywire as aspirants swarm centres in Lucknow

Corona norms go haywire as aspirants swarm centres in Lucknow
Aspirants appearing for BEd entrance exam flout social distancing norms at LU on sunday
By- Raghav Duggal
LUCKNOW: Social distancing, thermal scanning and other Covid-19 protocol went haywire as hundreds of aspirants assembled outside the examination centres for the BEd entrance examination in the city. Lucknow had 82 centres.
Avoiding public transport due to Covid fear, majority of candidates from adjoining districts pooled in money to hire taxis or come on two-wheelers. However, as parking space was limited or no management were made, candidates parked vehicles on the roadsides.
At most of the centres, TOI found overcrowding at the gates with no social distancing and candidates pushing and shoving each other to gain entry. Some of them were not wearing masks as well. No thermal scanning before entry was done at many centres.
However, candidates were allowed entry only after thermal scanning at some centres like National PG College, Lucknow University second campus, and Mahila PG Degree College. Authorities also gave masks to those who came without it.
Candidates at most places also came out on roads during the break and were seen having meals at roadside eateries. “Initially, centre authorities were thermal scanning candidates, but when the rush increased, they allowed free for all entry,” said BEd candidate Akshita Singh at a centre in Gomtinagar.
Avantika Sharma, who took the exam at a centre in Aminabad, said, “I tried to maintain social distancing but with over 1,000 people around, it became impossible.”
“A mask is useless if you are standing so close to each other,” said Riya Maurya, while struggling for the entry at a centre in Charbagh.
Candidates also said that test time should have been cut short considering the pandemic situation.
“Had the examination duration been short, we would have reached home timely for lunch. But due to long hours we had no option but to buy snacks at crowded stalls,” said Ankit at LU second campus centre.
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