COVID-19 cases continued to increase at an alarming rate in Maharashtra with as many as 63,294 new infections and 349 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the state health department said on Sunday, taking the total positive cases in the state to 34,07,245.There are now 5,65,587 active cases in the state. A total of 27,82,161 recoveries and 57,987 deaths have been reported in the state so far.Out of the total cases, 91,100 were reported from Mumbai, 74,335 from Thane, and 1,09,590 from Pune.
Maharashtra Minister for School Education Varsha Gaikwadon Monday made an important announcement regarding Class 10 and 12 examinations.
She took to Twitter and wrote,"Given the current COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra, we’ve postponed state board exams for class 10th & 12th. The present circumstances are not conducive for holding exams. Your health is our priority."
She further wrote ,"Keeping in mind the schedule of entrance exams for professional courses,class 12th exams will be held by end of May, while 10th standard exams will be in June. We're closely monitoring the health situation. Fresh dates for these exams will be announced accordingly."
Gaikwad said the decision is the outcome of consultations with various stakeholders-students, teachers, parents, elected representatives from across parties, academicians & tech giants- in the wake of rising coronavirus cases. I also thank CM Uddhav Thackeray for his guidance & approval.
During the consultations, various alternative assessment options were evaluated keeping the health, well-being and future of our students in mind. Postponing exams seemed to be the most pragmatic solution. We'll also be writing to the CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge boards, requesting them to reconsider their exams dates, she added. Earlier the Class 10 written exams were scheduled to be held from April 29 to May 20, while class 12 exam were supposed to held from 23rd April to 21st May.