The Hindu : Kerala News : New model tests for SSLC students

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

New model tests for SSLC students

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC. 13. The mid-term examination for SSLC students scheduled to take place this month will have a new model of written tests to help students become familiar with the grading system being introduced from this year, the Education Minister, E. T. Mohammed Basheer, has said here today.

At a press conference here, he said the model examination to be held prior to the public examination too would be as per the new pattern.

"We have set an example for other States by introducing the grading system for SSLC examination. Training and orientation programmes for the smooth transition to the new system are progressing efficiently," Mr. Basheer said.

He said schools with unsafe buildings would not be permitted to function from next academic year. The Government has already issued an order warning such schools so that they will have sufficient time to get the buildings into proper condition.

New council

He said the State would soon set up a Higher Education Council to provide a sense of direction to the higher education sector and keep it attuned to the demands to the times.

The proposed council will not in any way interfere with the autonomy of the councils dealing with the academic and curriculum-related matters in universities. Its purpose is to make planning and evaluation possible in the sector, so that the standard of higher education in the State can be lifted to the desired levels.

Mr. Basheer said his department was drafting a Bill to be introduced in the State Assembly for setting up the council.

He said he was quite optimistic about the Centre setting up an Indian Institute of Technology in the State shortly. This longstanding demand of the State is being pursued vigorously and there have been several rounds of discussion in the recent months between the State and the Centre on this subject, he said.

He said the Government was also proceeding with its efforts to win for four reputed colleges in the State the status of universities.

These institutions are: University College, Thiruvananthapuram; Brennen College, Thalassery; Maharaja's College, Ernakulam; and Victoria College, Palakkad.

Once they got the status of universities, assistance from the University Grants Commission would flow to them directly for improving academic and other facilities, he said.

The Minister said a large number of Keralites working in Gulf countries were in danger of losing their jobs owing to the insistence of these countries that they should have passed at least the SSLC examination.

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