Just a few days ago, the S.S.C. results were declared. The initial reaction was obvious - Jubilation and a tremendous sense of joy, because almost everyone seemed to have scored marks, way beyond their expectations. The cases of disappointment were probably one in a million. In those moments of exhilaration, I also joined in the celebrations and stuffed myself with all the 'pedas', that were free-flowing this year.
It didn't take me very long though, to sit back and evaluate the situation. Within a few hours, I realised that this joy, wasn't limited to just my school. It was a common feeling in every school across the city, and probably the State as well.
The newspapers the next day, provided the statistics of doom, that were a complete shocker. A 2% improvement in the pass percentage.
Why would anyone frown upon that? Only a cynic or someone out of their mind, would find anything wrong with what had happened. Believing that they'd worked wonders, the authorities were probably sitting back and relaxing, thinking they'd achieved something significant; because there were no cases of suicide reported, the helplines were unusually silent and almost everyone seemed to be over the moon with happiness.
The reality however, will soon dawn on all those who're at the receiving end of those unbelievable marks, namely the students. Their untainted joy will soon bear the blemish of uncertainty.
The reality however, will soon dawn on all those who're at the receiving end of those unbelievable marks, namely the students. Their untainted joy will soon bear the blemish of uncertainty.
I really feel for my students who think they've done so well, and achieved a real milestone. The State says there are enough seats and more in colleges, and no one will be left stranded. Of course, anyone with the ability to use rational thinking and logical reasoning would be able to reach the conclusion, that securing a seat in a "good" college, will be next to impossible, even for those thousands in the city, who've scored above 90% marks. They will have to settle for a seat in a mediocre college, which does not offer the best facilities and without the best faculty, despite the fact that they have the marks and deserve to be there.
The Department of Education probably thinks, that they've worked a miracle; but the reality of this debacle, will soon raise its ugly head and be there for all to see.
There is some light at the end of this dark tunnel though; and that is the Judiciary of this country. If they use their discretion and judge wisely, the foolishness that has been displayed in the declaration of these results and in the use of the 'Best 5' system, can be turned on it's head, and some kind of normalcy could return to this utterly chaotic and crazy situation.
One of my ex-students told me something in a casual conversation, a couple of days ago. He said, "Miss, shouldn't the Board be improving the system of Education and Exams, and bringing that on par with the other Boards, instead of just blindly doling out marks."
The Department of Education probably thinks, that they've worked a miracle; but the reality of this debacle, will soon raise its ugly head and be there for all to see.
There is some light at the end of this dark tunnel though; and that is the Judiciary of this country. If they use their discretion and judge wisely, the foolishness that has been displayed in the declaration of these results and in the use of the 'Best 5' system, can be turned on it's head, and some kind of normalcy could return to this utterly chaotic and crazy situation.
One of my ex-students told me something in a casual conversation, a couple of days ago. He said, "Miss, shouldn't the Board be improving the system of Education and Exams, and bringing that on par with the other Boards, instead of just blindly doling out marks."
I couldn't agree with him more. There are probably a number of ways, in which the different Boards could be brought on par with one another, to make sure that there are no differences, when it comes to admissions, and so that no one lags behind; but this system is definitely not the right way to do it.
As a facilitator of Education and a part of the system myself, this is just my two pence on the issue. I wonder if my point of view would have many takers in the Education Department though!!! 🤔
As a facilitator of Education and a part of the system myself, this is just my two pence on the issue. I wonder if my point of view would have many takers in the Education Department though!!! 🤔
