Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will implement some new measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 during the matric exams, which are less than a month away.
The annual exams will begin on May 3 and conclude on May 15.
Exams in own schools
The School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Dash, informed that given the surge in COVID-19 cases, the students will be allowed to appear for the exams in their respective schools this year.
“During the exams, the parents and guardians will not be allowed to stay near the examination centres,” the minister added.
COVID guideline squads
Around 6.19 lakh students will appear in the exams and social distancing, wearing of masks and hand sanitisers will be made mandatory, he said.
To ensure proper implementation of COVID-19 norms, the District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been asked to visit the exam centres.
He also said the teachers, observers and all members of the flying squads engaged in exam duty must have a COVID-19 negative report. If any of them tests positive during the exams, he/she will be immediately relieved of their duty.
Hall entry time extented
“To ensure that the exams are conducted with adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, the number of examination centres has been increased to over 3300,” Dash said.
He further said as there are some schools where a large number of students will appear for the exams, the school authorities concerned have been asked to allow the examinees to enter the examination hall one and half hour before the commencement of the examination to avoid large congregation outside the school.
Measures against malpractice
Referring to the measures taken to prevent malpractice, Dash said the installation of CCTV cameras in all the centres will be mandatory.
For proper supervision, a three-member squad will be formed for surprise visits to the examination centres. Apart from this, special observers will be appointed at the district level,” he added.
Also Read: Time Table For Annual Matric Exam In Odisha Announced
