GUWAHATI: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has urged the Centre to cancel examinations for final semester students in Arunachal Pradesh in view of the current situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The union has already submitted a representation for cancellation of examinations for end semester students in the frontier state to the Union ministry of human resources development and University Grants Commission (UGC).
The UGC had in its latest guidelines directed universities to conduct their final year/semester exams before September 30 this year.
“This has not only led to mixed feelings among students but also confusion and chaos among parents, teachers and other stakeholders in the state, including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union,” the union said in a statement.
“Most of the final semester students from the Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh and its affiliated colleges in Arunachal Pradesh, are not ready to appear for exams due to fear of the pandemic in our state especially in the Itanagar Capital Complex Region and its surrounding areas,” it said.
The union stated that the months’ long lockdown, including the ongoing Itanagar Capital Complex lockdown, has severely affected the mental and emotional wellbeing of the students.
“Other state universities and institutions in Arunachal Pradesh are also unsure about the exams and many students studying in these universities are against the move of the HRD ministry and UGC to push for exams during such a serious health crisis,” it said.
“We genuinely feel that the concept of on-line or off-line mode of examination is not possible in our state due to the prevailing condition, including the great digital divide and the risks posed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the recent spate of landslides, floods and other natural calamities in Arunachal Pradesh has cut off surface and digital communication in many districts of the state,” the union stated.
“At present, many students are in their native places and effectively following lockdown and other measures. However, making the exams mandatory will compel them to come out of their houses and travel thereby increasing the chances of exposure to the virus,” it added.
A separate representation was also submitted to the chief minister regarding cancellation of terminal exams in Arunachal Pradesh.
“The state government should make strong persuasion with the PMO, HRD ministry and UGC for cancellation of final semester exams in the state. An alternative mode of evaluation, which does not risk lives of the students in view of this pandemic, should be devised,” the union said.
The union strongly felt that a humane and rational approach should be taken in view of the disruption in the teaching-learning process since the nationwide lockdown in March this year.