TIRUCHY: Usually, a science paper is a hard nut to crack for students appearing for SSLC exams, but for those from prison, it is harder. The candidates from prisons across the state have no facility to learn the applications of science in a practical format, thanks to the unwritten rule that bans setting up of laboratories in jails.
When Express contacted District Education Officer Rajagopal, he said, “It is not easy to set up a laboratory inside a prison as there is a chain of procedures for a civilian to enter the jail. So, there is no way than avoiding the practical exam.”
According to the norms of the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), a candidate who failed to appear for SSLC practical exam should not be allowed to take up the theory paper unless he/she is differently-abled and can’t perform experiments without help.
“The differently-abled candidates take only the theory test for 75 marks and bunk the 25-mark practicals. Later, while totalling the marks, the percentage of their score out of 75 will be considered as their total mark in science. The same provision is followed in the case of candidates from prisons too.” Rajagopal said.
C Velusamy, headmaster of Syed Murtuza GHSS, Marakkadai, opines, “private candidates usually take practical exam in special laboratories. A similar method should be followed for prisoners too.” As per the schedule, the science exam falls on Thursday.