Shutdown affects junior college students, demand reopening ahead of exams

Hyderabad: The second closure of education institutions is proving to be difficult for all stakeholders. This time it is the student community demanding the reopening of colleges ahead of the approaching examinations.

At least 70 students from 10 junior colleges, including Sri Chaitanya Junior College, Narayana Junior College, FIITJEE, gave representations to the the TS Human Rights Commission, education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and TS Board of Intermediate Board (TSBIE) secretary Syed Omar Jaleel, demanding the reopening of colleges ahead of the practical and final exams scheduled next month.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, several students, on condition of anonymity said they need physical classes for at least a few weeks to be able to confidently sit for the exams.

“Our future depends on these exams,” said one student. “Online classes have been of no use to us. Teachers have given us the theoretical, bookish explanations. There have been no practical classes, or even doubt clearing sessions. How are we supposed to clear our practicals in such a situation,” they said.

The situation was worse for BPC students, heading for the medical courses, who have to take practical exams in the next two weeks, they said

Another student from the BPC stream said, “While we understand that it has been an unusual academic year and circumstances for the 2020 batch have been something no other has seen before,  right now we are more concerned about what the future holds for us. We could lose out on a lot of opportunities if we don't get to do our best in our final exams. We were not given enough time to prepare for these exams.”

The education department authorities acknowledged the representation from students. There has been no further response from them on the issue.