Published 12:40 IST, July 5th 2020
Karnataka refutes SSLC exam students Covid-positive claims; Siddaramaiah raises questions
In an address to the media, Karnataka Education Minister, S. Suresh Kumar dismissed rumours of the students getting infected in exam centres
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Shortly after Karnataka concluded the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations amid the pandemic scare, reports suggested that about 32 students who appeared for the exams tested positive for COVID.
In an address to the media, Karnataka Education Minister, S. Suresh Kumar dismissed rumours of the students getting infected in exam centres saying, “I can vouch for this that not even a single student got infected at the examination centres. The 32 students tested positive at various stages and were carrying it from other places.”
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While tweeting on the matter, opposition leader and former CM of Karnataka Siddaramaiah said that the state would have to wait for 15 days to know the 'exact outcome' of the SSLC exams suggesting the government to collect data from COVID patients tested between June 25 to July 20, to see if their primary contacts the SSLC exams or not. According to the Congress leader, this would help evaluate the state government's success in safely conducting the examinations.
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Karnataka SSLC exams conclude
SSLC examinations in Karnataka concluded on July 3, with over 8.5 lakh students enrolling for the exam. Even amid the COVID scare, the exams saw about 98 per cent attendance. As per reports, around 43720 rooms in 2879 buildings across the state were arranged to conduct Karnataka SSLC exam.
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Shortly after the exams concluded, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa congratulated the students tweeting, "I heartily congratulate students who faced the examination even during the coronavirus pandemic." Education Minister, S. Suresh Kumar also tweeted shortly after saying, "The exam is proof that anything can be made possible if all the government departments work in tandem."
The SSLC exams had witnessed a series of protests by activists and parents who were against the scheduled exams amid the pandemic, asking the state government to cancel them and pass all students. According to the State Education Department, all necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the students sitting for the exam. State Health Minister B Sriramulu revealed that all COVID related guidelines including the use of sanitisers, masks and screening were followed at exam halls.
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12:40 IST, July 5th 2020