UNDAUNTED

Scorching sun, looming ailments, yet students hardly chicken out

Meera Srinivasan

UNDAUNTED: Students with chicken pox writing Board examinations at Velammal School, Mogappair. — Photo: K. Pichumani

CHENNAI : Every year, public examinations are held in March-April, not an ideal season to keep cool while taking life-determining tests.

Students have to work overtime to cover syllabus portions and tackle heat and its concomitant ailments. It was no easy task for those who took ill during their public examinations this year either.

T. Priyadharshini's major papers were over when her parents told her she had chicken pox, looking at rashes on her body. She had the science practical skill assessment examination the following day. A student of G. K. Shetty Vivekananda Vidyalaya in Ambattur, she recalled having suffered from nausea on the last day of her Class X CBSE theory examinations. "Though it was an objective-type question paper for 20 marks, it seemed like a mammoth task to complete the paper. I gave up a couple of times during the examination, but finally managed to complete the paper. I think I've done well," she said. Her father R. Thayumanavan said the 10-km drive to her examination centre in Korattur was also tough on her.

The CBSE had asked schools under its purview to provide a separate room and invigilator at the allotted centre to such students, on production of medical certificates to the regional officer.

Director of Government Examinations Vasanthi Jeevanandam said school heads were given instructions to make necessary arrangements for students who were ill.

Principals of schools that functioned as examination centres made sure such students were at ease. Samson Gellraj, Principal, Nellai Nadar Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kottivakkam, said two students, who took the examinations at their school, were given a separate room.

C. Sathyamoorthy, Principal, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, said they made sure the student who was ill was given water and fresh fruit juices at frequent intervals.

CBSE joint secretary M. V. V. Prasada Rao said that about 15 students with chicken pox were given special permission this year.

"It is important that the student feels comfortable while writing the examination. Since chicken pox is contagious, we insist that the student be isolated," he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/03/stories/2007040319350300.htm