Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 23

School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla today said the central government should ensure safety of students before taking any decision on examinations of Class XII.

While presenting his views during a virtual meeting with Union ministers, Singla said during difficult times, safety and security of students and teachers must be the top priority of the government and every possible step should be taken in this regard.

The minister suggested that if they wished to conduct examinations of Class XII, the exams of only three elective subjects should be held as the passing-out students had to choose professional courses in medical, non-medical and commerce.

To conduct examinations for elective subjects, it would be easy to maintain social distancing and follow other mandatory protocols in view of the pandemic, the minister said.

School Education Secretary Krishan Kumar and Punjab School Education Board Chairman Yograj also attended the meeting. Singla said taking serious note of the situation, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had already taken the decision to promote the students of Classes V, VIII and X. He added that the results of Classes VIII and X had already been declared and results of Class V would be declared tomorrow on the basis of internal assessment. He said the government would ensure safety of students while conducting exams as and when the Centre decided.