Following the intervention of Election Commission, the examination schedule for high school and intermediate examinations in Uttar Pradesh, is likely to be deferred by a month.
As per the UP Secondary Education Board's schedule announced on Thursday, exams were to begin from February 16, 2017. But afterconsultation with EC, the Board is likely to annouce fesh examination schedule on December 13.
Taking serious exceptions to announcement of examination schedule by UP Secondary Education Board without consulting the polls panel on Thursday, the Election Commission had summoned Principal Secretary of Secondary Education department Jitendra Kumar to New Delhi on Friday.
The poll panel had earlier written to governments of five poll- bound states that as elections would be held in the first half of next year when Board exams are generally held, hence any dates announced by the Board should be made in consultation with the Commission.
After meeting with EC officials in Delhi on Friday, Secondary Education official said that the schedule announced on Thursday has been put on hold and fresh schedule is likely to be announced on December 13.
The Board examination for high school and intermediate are now expected to be held in March- April. The Assembly polls are likely to be held in January-February, 2017.
The UP Secondary Education Board has informed the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) about its intent for issuing the fresh exam schedule.
Meanwhile, the EC also took stock of election preparedness with UP officials in New Delhi on Friday. UP Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh and Additional DG (law and order) Daljeet Choudhury were present in the meeting representing the state government.
In 2012, the poll process was set rolling on December 24 with the Election Commission by issuing notification and the process was completed by March 6. The Board examinations that year were held between March 16 and April 20.