KANNUR: The grace mark awarded to a candidate who secures ‘A’ grade is one of the major reasons for the flood of appeals in the school festival, according to the Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB).
The Vigilance has been keeping an eye on the festival following allegations of fixing of results, especially in classical dance items.
“We have not written to the higher-ups, but feel the 30 additional marks that a Class X student get is the main attraction for filing appeals. Students and parents believe spending Rs 5,000 as the fee for the appeal would be worth it,’’ said Vigilance DySP A V Pradeep Kumar.
The number of appeals rose to 1,194 by Friday evening. VACB arrived at this figure after analysing the data collected from parents and students.
Director of Public Instruction (DPI) K V Mohan Kumar has already made it clear there will be considerable changes in the bylaws of the festival. Efforts in this regard have already started. “Various practical issues, including appeals, are being discussed with the stakeholders and amendments will be introduced before next year’s fest,’’ he told ‘Express’ the other day.