Alternatives such as online learning and digital classrooms should be explored, said Uddhav Thackeray.
Mumbai:
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray met with vice chancellors from various universities on Saturday and said the exams should take place while ensuring that this does not lead to the spread of the coronavirus.
A statement quoted the chief minister as saying that “it is becoming clear that the reviews cannot take place in July”, but the uncertainty in this regard should be lifted and all options should be explored.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education Uday Samant, Minister of State Prajakt Tanpure, Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta and senior officials also participated in the videoconference.
“University exams should be organized to ensure that no student is infected with a new coronavirus. The concerns of students and parents should be addressed by determining the exact method of examination and (finalizing) the schedule,” said M Thackeray, according to the press release.
The pandemic situation in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad, which are hot spots of infection, is constantly changing, noted the chief minister.
We have to see if the crisis can become an opportunity with the use of technology, he added.
As the exams were postponed after the virus appeared, the students were worried, he noted.
Thackeray also said that universities should know how education is delivered at foreign universities.
“The coronavirus should be said to be revealing. Health care facilities should be prioritized. Likewise, education should be considered essential,” said Thackeray, the statement said.
The chief minister, during the interaction, also called for ensuring that the quality of education is the same across the state and that there is no “regional disparity”.
Alternatives such as online learning and digital classrooms should be explored, he added.
Samant said all options for organizing exams are under consideration.
Tanpure said the government is in touch with students and parents and is working to ensure exams are held.
