Expressing contentment over the Intermediate results regardless of low overall pass percentage in Science stream, Education Minister Neera Yadav on Friday said that the best part of the results is that some of the backward districts have performed better in comparison to the big districts hinting towards a positive change.
“Good performance by the students of interior regions depicts that government schemes are being implemented well. Also, I personally believe that there can be a difference in overall pass percentage while attempts will be made to fill this gap but we must not forget that backward districts like Palamu and Simdega have emerged as the champions setting an example,” Yadav added.
However, the declining trend in pass percentage in Intermediate Science board exam has once again forced people to raise question on the quality of education being imparted to the government school students. The consolidated results of Intermediate (Science) released by Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) council on June 7 presented a depressing picture of State on science education frontage.
Over 49, 104 students failed in Inter (Science) board exam – 2018 conducted from March 8 to April 3 at nearly 1490 centers. As per the academic council record, 92,405 students took Inter (Science) exam. A comparative study suggests that overall pass percentage in Inter Science stream is worst in two years. In 2016, in Inter Science stream 58.36 pass percentage was recorded whereas in 2017, overall 52.36 pass percentage was registered in Inter Science stream.
According to academicians, lack of teaching faculty members, well equipped laboratories, irregular follow-ups at government schools have severely affected the overall pass percentage. “There are several factors which affect the overall pass percentage. From strengthening infrastructure to recruiting teachers, the State government is taking all measures to improve the quality of education at government schools. Besides, the department is also trying to improve the condition of schools through introducing innovative methodologies of conceptual learning,” the Minister added.
Notably, the performance of students in 16 districts in Inter (Science) has been termed substandard by the experts. Pass percentage in districts like Ramgarh, Dhanbad, West Singhbhum, lohardaga, Simdega, Seraikela, Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Jamtara, latehar, Gumla, Khunti, Garhwa, Godda, Pakur and Chatra merely ranged somewhere between 21.37 per cent to 49 per cent. Chatra with 21.37 per cent, Khunti 32.27 per cent, Garhwa 31.28 per cent, Godda 30.36 per cent and Gumla 34.68 percent have been placed in bottom slot.
Further, keeping his stance JAC Chairperson, Arvind Singh said that strict surveillance at the examination centres across the State could be one prime reason for low pass percentage. “As an examination conducting body, we have done our best to avert mischievous activities at the exam centers. Now, it is solely upon the department to check the loopholes. There are several factors that can be taken into consideration ranging from teachers presence to students participation in class-room activities,” Singh said.