Revise eligibility for sports marks: Mumbai schools

As per the new rules, an additional 15 to 25 marks should be allotted to those athletes who participate in District Sports Office (DSO) tournaments. However, city schools said a large number of students participate in tournaments organised by the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) and hence, could not avail the additional marks.

Unhappy with the way sports marks have been allotted in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams, some school principals have planned to write to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to revise the eligibility criteria.

Students rejoice after bagging good scores in the SSC exam. (HT Photo)

Of the 4,233 students from across the state benefitting from the sports marks this year, 456 were from the Mumbai division.

As per the new rules, an additional 15 to 25 marks should be allotted to those athletes who participate in District Sports Office (DSO) tournaments. However, city schools said a large number of students participate in tournaments organised by the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) and hence, could not avail the additional marks.

Several students who had participated in the MSSA tournaments were denied sports marks. “The MSSA is a private body and a majority of Mumbai schools participate in their tournaments,” said Yogesh Patel, director, Swami Vivekananda International School, Kandivli.

According to Father Jude Fernandes, principal, St Mary’s School (SSC), Mazgaon, many athletes have said there is a need to change the rules. “The DSO tournaments are not well organised. Schools are also not informed on time and draws are held during exams,” he said.

Education officials said if MSSA is given permission, other private bodies will also have to be allowed. “There are a lot of private bodies in the state. If we accept all of them, then there is also a possibility of falsification of documents,” said BB Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai region.