The ongoing JEE NEET examination imbroglio...
The pandemic that has caused severe disruptions in private as well as public life since March last has left its dark clout in many areas especially in the fields of education. A country of 1.3 billion has seen severe competition in higher education as every student aspiring to scale newer heights in life strives to get into india’s premiere Engineering or Medical institutes.
The mad rush for the aspiring students to get into IITs and other prestigious institutes is unprecedented and not observed anywhere in the world. The JEE Exams which pave the way for such admissions to IITs over the decades have been the dream realiser for students. Generally, the exams are completed by end of May every year and students get into serious business ( studies) by August. However, the Corona virus has put a spoke in the entire process as the JEE or NEET examinations were postponed. The uncertainty that ensued has taken huge toll on students resources and aspirations alike. After a lot of reviews the said exams have been decided to be held in coming September. A series of litigations ensued as many parents felt that time was not ripe to hold such important examinations which have direct bearings on a student’s career at this Covid situation which has not abated despite superlative efforts taken by Governments to restrict spread of the virus. In the end the Hon. Supreme Court, after considering arguments from all sides, has held that life must move on and thus paved way for holding the September scheduled examinations.
However, a section of concerned parents are still unsure of their wards’ safety and not willing for the September exams and even some political parties have thrown their hats in the ring in urging the government to file a review petition in the SC.
In fine, it’s a catch 22 situation where the lifetime aspirations of students are pitted against their perceived safety. But as has been said by the apex court ‘ life must go on’ the examinations need to go ahead as re-scheduled in September lest the students who are prepared and silently suffered during lockdown will also reversely suffer. There cannot be a guarantee that the covid situation will cede in coming months. In such situation of uncertainty may be the authorities have considered right to go ahead with the exam procedures as community spread has not yet begun so far. Needless to say in that event all precautionary measures like well ventilated rooms, social distancing norms amidst other safety pointers will be scrupulously followed as every aspiring student is priceless for the country.
It is said that a man is born of faith, lives on hope and dies of charity. Let hope alone provide the guiding
light to both the students who have dared to dream and the authorities already livid due to ongoing uncertainties and responsible to hold the JEE NEET examinations in safe, fair and secure atmosphere.
The nitty gritty of such sensitive issue has been nicely explained.
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