Himachal puts off boards, undergraduate exams amid growing COVID cases

Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, April 14

The Himachal Pradesh Government under its Chief Minister Jairam Thakur decided on Wednesday to put off board exams for Class 10 and 12 as well as all undergraduate examinations in the face of rising COVID-19 cases in the state.

Thakur said in a tweet on Wednesday:  “Safety of every citizen of the state is our first priority”. 

“In view of the increasing cases of coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, we’ve decided to postpone the examinations of Himachal Pradesh School Education Board and the colleges of Himachal Pradesh till further orders.”

“We’re fighting a battle against COVID-19 with the help on citizens of the state and we sincerely hope that we’ll continue to get people’s support in this fight.”

The state has been reporting an upward trend in infections. A report from the union health ministry on Wednesday reported 11 fatalities the previous day.

A government spokesperson said the decision to put off Class 10 and 12 board examinations, as well as undergraduate exams that were supposed to start on April 17, was taken after taking into account concerns from students as well as parents. It would be reviewed on May 1, and new schedules will be announced appropriately, he said.

Some 2.25 lakh students appeared in board examinations across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. Eight students tested positive for the infection.