BHUBANESWAR: The 184 students, who were refused promotion to 12th standard due to poor performance in the previous class, await the decision of their respective schools.
The Orissa High Court had, in April, directed the administration of DAV Public Schools in the State to reconsider their decision on the detention of students. Many of the students, who were not promoted, had moved the High Court after they were declared failed.
As per the current practice in DAV schools, a Class XI student who has performed poorly in a single subject is allowed to appear for supplementary exam for promotion. However, one who fails in more than one paper is declared disqualified and cannot appear for the supplementary exam.
Even the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), to which the DAV schools are affiliated, has no such mandate and gives them a chance for appearing for re-test, a senior lawyer said.
“Students who are weak deserve an opportunity in the supplementary examination. Depriving the students of a second chance affects the students adversely,” the lawyer added.
More than 180 Class XI Science students of 27 DAV schools in the State were detained as they failed in more than one subject, sources said.
The DAV authorities, on the other hand, have refuted the charges claiming they adhere to the guidelines of CBSE and ensure fair and judicious evaluation before promoting students.
“A 25-member committee, in a six-hour discussion, came to a conclusion that CBSE standards need to be adhered to and quality of education cannot be compromised. Similar observation was made by the High Court which did not find merit in the case,” Principal of DAV, Chandrasekharpur, KC Satpathy said. Even after they were given grace marks as per CBSE norms, the students were unable to secure the pass marks, Satpathy added.