Desist from conducting exams till March or face action: DM tells schools

 “Whereas, it has come to notice that certain private educational institutions are attempting to conduct examinations thereby contravening the government order in that regard. Now therefore, I District Magistrate Srinagar, hereby order that the government order directing all educational institutions to desist from conduct of examinations in anyway whatsoever shall be obeyed in letter and spirit. Any violation of the government order in this regard shall invite strict action under rules which may also lead to de-recognition of the concerned school,” reads the order issued vide No:  DCS/PS/MISC/105 dated November 6, 2014 a copy of which lies with Greater Kashmir.
“Srinagar has been badly hit by the floods of September 2014 and educational institutions suffered major damages to infrastructure,” the DM observed.
“Whereas, repair and reconstruction of educational institutions is a critical part of the overall rehabilitation programme. Whereas, a lot of such institutions have been rendered unsafe for use and putting them to any use whatever may endanger the precious life of the pupils therein. Whereas, the government has got the education sector infrastructure assessed by various field teams consisting of technical experts from the R & B department. Whereas, the government has announced the postponement of examinations from primary to higher secondary classes to March of 2015.”
When contacted the District Magistrate while confirming the development said the helpline has been established for public convenience and speedy redressal of grievances. “We won’t even desist from de-recognition of the schools which ever found violating the orders… Nobody will be allowed to take people for a ride,” Shah told Greater Kashmir.
In apparent violation of the Cabinet decision, many private schools in the City have been holding unit tests, Golden Tests and other exams past floods.
Failing to persuade school authorities to avoid “untimely exams” the flood-hit students have even  been holding roadside protests.
On Wednesday, in a Greater Kashmir news report published on City Page, students and their parents had appealed for the personal intervention of District Magistrate Farooq Shah saying “Since last year the DM has often been making the erring schools accountable.”
The complainants alleged that the DSEK has been silent over “untimely exams” to seek undue favors from the schools at a time when “admission season is on.” “As the admission season is on, these Babus want to be in the good books of these erring schools. This is a main reason why Education department is silent. Otherwise what prevents the concerned from initiating action?” argued a delegation of aggrieved parents.