Karnataka refutes SSLC exam students Covid-positive claims; Siddaramaiah raises questions

Shortly after Karnataka concluded Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations amid pandemic scare, reports suggested that about 32 students who appeared for exams tested positive for COVID.

In an address to media, Karnataka Education Minister, S. Suresh Kumar dismissed rumours of students getting infected in exam centres saying, “I can vouch for this that t even a single student got infected at examination centres. 32 students tested positive at various sts and were carrying it from or places.” 

While tweeting on matter, opposition leader and former CM of Karnataka Siddaramaiah said that state would have to wait for 15 days to kw 'exact outcome' of SSLC exams suggesting government to collect data from COVID patients tested between June 25 to July 20, to see if ir primary contacts SSLC exams or t. According to Congress leader, this would help evaluate  state government's success in safely conducting examinations. 

Read: Karnataka Set To Conduct SSLC Examination For Class 10 Students; Activists St Protest

Read: Over 8.48 Lakh Students To Appear For SSLC Exams In Karnataka Tomorrow: Health Min

Karnataka SSLC exams conclude

SSLC examinations in Karnataka concluded on July 3, with over 8.5 lakh students enrolling for exam. Even amid COVID scare, exams saw about 98 per cent attendance.  As per reports, around 43720 rooms in 2879 buildings across state were arranged to conduct Karnataka SSLC exam. 

Shortly after exams concluded, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa congratulated students tweeting, "I heartily congratulate students who faced examination even during coronavirus pandemic." Education Minister, S. Suresh Kumar also tweeted shortly after saying, " exam is proof that anything can be made possible if all government departments work in tandem." 

SSLC exams had witnessed a series of protests by activists and parents who were against scheduled exams amid pandemic, asking state government to cancel m and pass all students. According to State Education Department, all necessary measures were taken to ensure safety of students sitting for exam. State Health Minister B Sriramulu revealed that all COVID related guidelines including use of sanitisers, masks and screening were followed at exam halls. 

Read: Karnataka SSLC Exams 2020: Exams Start June 25; See SSLC Exam Rules & Or Exam Updates

Read: SSLC Exams Conclude In Karnataka Amid COVID-19 Scare: CM BS Yediyurappa