No point in delaying JEE, NEET, feel most parents & students

Nagpur: As the debate over JEE/NEET rages across the country, many parents and students in Nagpur feel that postponing the exam won’t serve any purpose. Both exams are being conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) and begin from September 1 onwards.
JEE candidate Malhar Limaye said already too much time has been lost. “How much more will you postpone it now? You can’t wait for the outbreak to get over, hence exam has to happen now, with all precautions in place,” said Limaye.
NEET candidate Janhvi Munne said “This delay is distracting for us because of dates being shuffled.” Her mother Vaishali agreed, saying, “If banks are open, shops are open, autos are plying then why stop exams? It’s illogical to say that coronavirus will only enter exam halls.”
NEET candidate Gazhal Hemne said, “If every student takes basic precaution then there is nothing to worry about.” JEE candidate Amanshu Jaiswal agreed, saying, “Postponing exam will lead to stress.”
Vandana Kumbhare, whose son Priyanshu is appearing for JEE, said students can’t remain locked up due to fear of Covid-19. “The virus is here to stay, so we have to learn to live with it. Everything around us is opening up and our kids have to adapt to the new normal. Precautions have to be taken, but both life and exams must go on,” said Kumbhare.
A senior government official, who did not wished to be named, said his daughter is worried because of uncertainty in exam dates. “She looks more at the news rather than books. She is constantly checking to see if any new development regarding exam has happened,” said the official.
Raje Pratapsingh Bhonsle, whose son is appearing for JEE, feels a balanced point of view is needed. “I may not have a problem with the exam because my child has a local centre and we can drop him off in a car. But we need to also think about those coming from outside, who may struggle with transportation to reach centres,” said Bhonsle.
The JEE/NEET issue has now taken political colours, something which worries parents. Parent Sameer Joshi said, “All political parties must realize that we are putting our children’s academic future at stake. Delay in exam has already broken their tempo. And when malls are opening up, liquor shops are open, then why create such a scene only about exams,” said Joshi.
Parent Dilip Chafle agrees. “Exam is to be held for just three hours, so where is the risk? All students will be wearing masks, sanitization of premises will be done, and social distancing followed, hence no point in postponing exam,” said Chafle.
Kshipra Sharma, who is appearing for NEET, said she does have reservations about the exam. “Frankly, I am scared because of the rising number of cases in Nagpur. I will take a final call about giving the exam at the last moment itself, after studying the situation,” said Sharma.