Kerala government revises order, says varsities can decide exam dates

TNN | Apr 22, 2020, 16:17 IST

Kerala higher education minister KT Jaleel.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher education department has withdrawn its controversial order that prescribed exam schedule for universities in the period after the lockdown.
The new order, issued on Tuesday, said universities are free to decide on exam dates, depending on ground realities after lockdown ends.
An earlier order by the department, issued on Saturday, had created confusion and protest among teachers and students as it urged universities to conduct pending exams from May 11.
Higher education minister KT Jaleel clarified on Sunday that government only intended to advise universities that they may gear up by setting May 11 as a tentative date for resuming postponed exams.
The new order says it received several complaints against the order that ‘encouraged’ universities to make arrangements for exams from May 11.
Many pointed out that exams should resume only after flight and train services restart services. It’s in this context the new clarification was given by the government, the order said.
The government received petitions suggesting that exams be held only after flights and trains resume (service) as lockdown situation will continue in India till May 3.
The government is pleased to clarify that universities may decide suitable dates for conducting remaining exams after easing of restrictions in state and their respective geographical jurisdictions, while observing government directives, if any, to be issued in public interest, stated the order on Tuesday.