Mumbai: School association demands 25 per cent more reduction in syllabus

HSC students at an examination centre in Gurunanak High School, Sion during last year`s board exams. File pic

With the SSC and HSC board examinations fast approaching, the Association of Heads of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools in Mumbai has demanded a 25 per cent reduction in the syllabus, as teachers claim it will be difficult to complete it within the stipulated time. The association has written a letter to the state board regarding the same.

Considering the unprecedented conditions, the government has already reduced the syllabus for both the exams, scheduled to be held around April-May, by 25 per cent.
The letter by the association states, "Already half of January is gone and there is still no clarity on when the schools in Mumbai will reopen. Proper classes are not being held for SSC/HSC students yet. Though the state board has reduced the syllabus by 25 per cent, it is still difficult to complete the remaining part before the exams. This can affect the results and future plans of the students. It will be better if the syllabus is reduced by another 25 per cent."

Speaking to mid-day, secretary of the association Prashant Redij said, "Though online classes are happening, it is not possible for those who come from economically backward classes to attend them. Further, many students have moved to their hometowns after their parents lost jobs. Hence, completing the syllabus before exams will be difficult. Moreover, schools are yet to reopen in Mumbai and surrounding areas. Considering all this, we have requested for further reduction in the syllabus."
The association had earlier requested the state board to increase the time limit for candidates of board exams to fill forms, as given the situation, the process was taking longer than usual.

When contacted, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education chairman Dinkar Patil said most likely the syllabus won't be reduced further. He added, "The decision of reducing the syllabus by 25 per cent was taken so that schools get time to plan accordingly. Most of the schools have finished the syllabus while some will be done soon. Moreover, in all other parts of the state schools have already reopened and they are in the process of completing the syllabus. It wouldn't be appropriate to further reduce the syllabus. There is still time for Mumbai schools to complete the syllabus if they really work towards it."