HSC students irked by kids' benches in Andheri school

Exam time is the most harrowing for many students. However, the dreaded three hours become even more painful for junior college students when the benches they sit on to write their papers are meant for school children.

Many HSC students who have been allotted Versova Welfare Association High School (VWAHS) and Junior College, Andheri, as their exam centre are complaining about uncomfortable benches. The college officials accept the fact but can do nothing as the benches are meant for children and not young boys and girls.

The benches at Versova Welfare Association High School and Junior College. Pic/Bipin Kokate, Kranti Vibhute

They also claim that the HSC students are not made to sit on any kindergarten benches but have been allotted classrooms meant for primary and secondary students. Ashish Kamble, (name changed), was allotted the centre and sat for his Physics Paper II (for repeaters) yesterday from 11 am to 1 pm. He said, "The seats are narrow and healthy students like me find it difficult to sit and write our papers comfortably."

Ravi Singh (name changed) echoed Kamble's sentiments and said, "The benches are so narrow that only slim students can sit and write comfortably. We have complained to the college officials but nothing has been done so far."

Principal of VWAHS School and Junior college Neelam Bhatia said, "We can accommodate only 400 students in the junior college wing. However, we can do nothing as the state board has allotted this centre to 700 students even after we requested against it.

When a healthy and tall student is made to sit on school classroom benches, he or she is bound to feel uncomfortable. We have not allotted any kindergarten classrooms. However, I have not received any complaint from any student yet." S Gaikwad, secretary of State Board, Mumbai division, remained unavailable for comment.

Rajan Dalbhanjan Book-keeping & Accountancy professor from ICL's M J College in Vashi
>> Rough working notes should be always written on the left hand side of the answer sheet.
>> While solving the question paper, students should do their calculations speedily with full concentration of mind so that they are able to cover all the six questions.
>> Preference should be given to topics based on simple concept and methods like Bills of exchange, Single entry system and Goodwill.
>> Extended and complicated questions shall be solved at last. For example final account and accounts of NPO (Non-Profit Organisation).
>> Students should draw accounting columns with proper space and write the figures in a well-ordered and visible manner.u00a0