Conducting CBSE Exams During COVID-19 Spike "Downright Irresponsible": Priyanka Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi on CBSE boards: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has rallied behind protesting students against the Central Board of Secondary Education's decision to conduct physical exams for classes 10 and 12 at a time when many states in India are seeing a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases.

Board exams for class 10 are to be held between May 4 and June 7 and for class 12 between May 4 and June 15.

Taking to Twitter, the 49-year-old

It is downright irresponsible of boards like the CBSE to force students to sit for exams under the prevailing circumstances. Board exams should either be cancelled, rescheduled or arranged in a manner that does not require the physical presence of children at crowded exam centres

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 9, 2021 that in light of the current pandemic situation, the best alternatives for the board exams were to "either be cancelled, rescheduled or arranged in a manner that does not require the physical presence of children at crowded exam centres."

Tweet by Priyanka Gandhi on CBSE boards:

It is downright irresponsible of boards like the CBSE to force students to sit for exams under the prevailing circumstances. Board exams should either be cancelled, rescheduled or arranged in a manner that does not require the physical presence of children at crowded exam centres

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) April 9, 2021

Recently, the politician's husband businessman Robert Vadra announced he had tested positive for the virus and was quarantining with due precautions. Gandhi and their two children did not contract the virus, as per the announcement. More here.

Priyanka Gandhi On CBSE Boards Echoes Students' Concerns

Schoolgoing students of classes 10 and 12 have been urging the central education board to reconsider the conduction of physical exams. Students signing petitions and trending 'cancelboardexams2021' are demanding that the centre either postpone exam dates until the COVID-19 spike subsides or hold them online instead of at centres.

The CBSE reportedly assured students of proper precautions and safety guidelines at exam centres, saying that the number of allocated centres has been "increased by 40-50 percent to ensure social distancing." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 7, interacted with boards-bound students in a virtual event Pariksha Pe Charcha, where he addressed their concerns about exams during the pandemic. More here.

Students petition to have CBSE boards postponed as deadly COVID-19 surges

Students, and many concerned parents, however, are dissatisfied with the centre's decision. Gandhi, who was until recently engaged in assembly election campaigns across Assam and Kerala, has drawn focus to the pressure exams will cause to students' mental health in the current situation.

"While corona is ravaging our country again, the added pressure of exams is bound to affect the mental health of children. Our education system needs to drastically alter its attitude and start reflecting sensitivity and compassion towards children rather than just talk," she added on Twitter.

As of the morning of April 9, official figures tally active cases in India at 9,79,608 over the previous day's tally at 9,10,319. Maharashtra is leading the surge, with latest recorded figures showing a single-day rise of 56,286 cases.