The State board students are angry about the scrapping of the 90 per cent reservation for them in junior colleges.
On the other hand, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) students are relieved. But feel a standardisation plan is needed.
“It is unconstitutional; there are about 98 per cent state board students,” said Madhuri Gokhale, parent of an SSC student.
“ICSE and CBSE students have 40 marks internals and 60 marks externals so they score more. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) students score less in languages too. The system should be fair to all,” she added.
Rishi Mehta, ICSE class 10 topper is happy with the decision. “It is good. But I guess it is a little unfair for the SSC students. The government should bring all the boards to the same level in some way,” he said.
In 2008, the state introduced the percentile system to standardise SSC students’ marks. After ICSE parents moved court, the system was scrapped. The state decided not to make the same decision this time.
“It’s a wise decision of the government to stop this policy from being passed. I support the best of five subjects option, which is merit based,” said Gerry Arathoon, ICSE head.
{{/usCountry}}“It’s a wise decision of the government to stop this policy from being passed. I support the best of five subjects option, which is merit based,” said Gerry Arathoon, ICSE head.
{{/usCountry}}The state board students believe that the system of evaluation of the SSC board against other boards is tougher, which does not allow them to score well in their class 10 examinations.
But school principals welcomed the decision. “Now admissions will be on the basis of merit.
Reservation would have given lesser opportunities to students from other boards but now it will be a fair call,” said R N Mishra, principal, Rajiv Gandhi Memorial School.
(With inputs from Sahej Mantri, Yashshri Soman and Malika Circar)