Karnataka Assembly Appeals to Parents: Support, Don’t Pressure Students During Class 10 Exams

Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC, Class 10) Board examinations began in Karnataka on Friday, with nearly 8.96 lakh students participating across 15,881 examination centres statewide.

The Karnataka Assembly extended heartfelt wishes to students and called upon parents to refrain from pressuring their children.

The Assembly also raised alarms regarding the distribution of fraudulent question papers online before the exams and instructed the State Minister for Education, Madhu Bangarappa, to implement stringent measures.

Speaker U.T. Khader expressed his sentiments at the start of the session, stating, “Today marks the commencement of the SSLC (Class 10) board exams, and I wish all students the best of luck. Approximately 8,96,447 students are taking the examination across 15,881 centres. Esteemed students, this is a critical juncture in your academic journey. I encourage you to approach your exams without anxiety or trepidation. We aspire for your success; your commitment, perseverance, and the support from your parents and educators will lead you to triumph.”

He further emphasized, “Parents must not impose mental strain on their children. Emotional support is paramount. Your essential role is to help them concentrate on their studies in a serene environment.”

Speaking directly to the students, he mentioned, “Dear students, your Class 10 exams represent the initial phase of your educational journey; they are not the culmination of your life. We believe in your capabilities, and our backing and blessings will consistently be with you. Our prayers accompany you for your success.”

Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa expressed gratitude to the Assembly for their encouraging words directed at the students undertaking the board exams.

At this point, Speaker Khader interjected, voicing concerns over counterfeit question papers being disseminated online.

He remarked, “I commend the efforts of Minister Madhu Bangarappa. However, it has come to my attention that an application is systematically disseminating messages claiming to provide access to the question papers for a fee. These messages also imply that many students have already acquired these papers, misleading and enticing others. I have observed these messages and forwarded them to you. Please investigate and act swiftly.”

Minister Madhu Bangarappa replied, asserting that he had already issued a warning regarding this issue. “We are also examining the situation through our department. Disseminating such messages unnecessarily constitutes a serious violation. During the Class 12 exams, I personally interacted with students to ensure they were taking their exams without fear.”

He further added, “I typically refrain from discussing social media forwards as, from my position, any commentary might disturb students. I am intentionally avoiding media discussions on this subject. Nonetheless, be assured that we have made all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exams. We will also tackle the problem of fake question papers circulating on social media prior to the exams.”

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka also expressed his views, stating, “We have all navigated this stage. We have seen students grappling with stress and anxiety regarding their exam results. I appeal to parents to refrain from pressuring their children. This is my humble plea. Students already face stress, and even a minor decline in grades can lead to significant anxiety.”

He further raised concerns regarding the circulation of counterfeit question papers, stating, “On social media, these fake question papers closely resemble the authentic ones. Some students may be deceived, which could adversely affect their exam performance. The government must take decisive action through law enforcement to combat such social media forwards.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the SSLC exams had commenced and assured that the government had arranged for students to travel freely on RTC buses. He added, “Last year, I decided against granting grace marks because students’ true abilities should be reflected in their results. Grace marks were provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this time, students will take their exams without the expectation of grace marks. I wish all students, both boys and girls, the best of luck during this period.”