Matriculation exams likely to be delayed

Rawalpindi
As the government and the concerned managements have delayed reopening of educational institutions after winter vacations from time to time due to security reasons, the schedule of Matriculation Exam is also likely to be postponed from March this year.
Executive Director of Punjab Education Directorate, Rawalpindi, Qazi Zahoor talking to ‘The News’ said Saturday that there is great possibility that the date of Matriculation exam would be postponed by two weeks to one month. Discussion on the issue of postponing the examination is underway and the concerned authorities in Punjab government would decide on this matter, he said. The authorities would take up decision on this matter and with the consultation of the heads of the institutions and the relevant teachers while keeping the prime issue of non-completion of course. On the other hand, spokesman to Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (RBISE) did not agree that the date of Matric examination would be postponed by one month.
However, great unrest and anxiety prevails among the students of Punjab government schools over delay in reopening of schools on the pretext that they still have to complete 50 per cent course of almost every subject and the date of examination is drawing near.
According to students as well as teachers of certain educational institutions, at least 50 per cent course of all subjects is pending yet and if the date of final examination is not delayed, it would become hard for them to answer questions and clear the papers.
The winter vacation started in all educational institutions of the Punjab government commenced on December 20 instead of December 25 only because of terrorist attack in Army Public School, KPK on December 16. According to old schedule, the schools were to reopen on January 2 which was delayed till January 7 and again by January 12. According to credible sources, further extension in reopening of schools is likely from January 12 to January 18 owning to recent terrorist activity in Chitti Hattian , Rawalpindi. However, officials in directorate of education , Punjab, on condition of anonymity, did not confirm plan for further delay in the reopening of educational institutions. According to them it could not be ascertained till Sunday evening that the date of reopening of schools would be further delayed by one week. All depends upon the law and order situation.
The students of all Punjab government schools in the wake of extension in dates of reopening of their institutions have expressed concern as it is affecting their studies.
When this correspondent sought the opinions and views of male and female educators of provincial schools and private institutions, they along with their final year students agreed that the date of matriculation examination of RBISE should also be extended by at least one month, enabling them to complete the pending course after the reopening of their educational institutions on January 18.