Rescheduled exams raise student health concerns in Maharashtra

The rescheduling of exam dates has raised concerns about student welfare in light of rising temperatures. The Maharashtra state education department has decided to extend final exams for Classes 1 to 9 until April 25, which is later than usual, when exams usually end by April 15. Parents, teachers, and school management committees are worried about the impact of the heat on over 70 lakh students in government and aided schools. Many rural schools lack proper infrastructure, such as concrete roofs and fans, making it difficult for students to take exams in the extreme heat later in the month. The Periodic Assessment Test (PAT), which includes common subjects like English and Mathematics, was introduced last year. The new exam dates, set by the Maharashtra State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), have changed the traditional academic calendar significantly. Teachers and local activists have also raised concerns about water scarcity and inadequate facilities in rural schools. They stress that with summer approaching, classrooms will become increasingly uncomfortable without basic amenities. Many rural schools have iron sheet roofs and lack ventilation, making it hard for students to stay cool. In Palghar district, temperatures have already hit 39°C in March and are expected to rise even higher in April. This has led to worries about students enduring afternoon exams. Typically, schools operate in the cooler morning hours and finish by 1 PM. Even urban schools are feeling the effects of the changed timetable. Many parents in cities like Mumbai have expressed frustration over logistical issues linked to the new exam dates, especially transportation arrangements. Parents wish that such decisions were made earlier in the academic year to avoid complications. Critics, including former education officials, have called out the lack of consultation with key stakeholders before changing the schedule. They argue that local school principals should have the authority to decide exam dates based on regional conditions. Additionally, the Yuva Sena, led by Aaditya Thackeray, has also called for a review of the exam timetable due to the challenges faced by students and educators. They submitted a formal request to the government asking for reconsideration of the new dates.