Proposal to abolish 7th common exam be brought to public

Hyderabad, Sep 11 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said the proposal to abolish seventh class common examinations could be brought to the notice of the public and educationalists by holding workshops in the three regions of the state.

While reviewing the functioning and the issues of the school education here today, he said the feeback from the public could be gathered before a final decision was taken.

There was a proposal from the officials that the Seventh Class Common Examinations may be abolished and in its place periodical objective type Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheet based 'Competency Evaluation Tests' for all schools, in science, English and mathematics through external agencies be introduced. However, the quarterly, half-yearly and annual examinations at school level would continue.

The officials told the Chief Minister that the seventh class common exam had almost become nominal and there was 98 per cent pass every year.

There was also a proposal to start English from class one itself as presently in vogue in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and one subject, General Science or Social Studies should be taught in English medium from class six as was done in Kendriya Vidyalayas.

This proposal would be implemented after public feedback was taken through workshops. The Chief Minister said focus would be on constructive method of teaching rather than mere alphabet.

Dr Reddy also aggreed to the proposal of introduction of General Education in Madarasas and towards this necessary vidya volunteers would be provided by the state government. The mid day meal also may be introduced in the Madarasas.

He positively responded to the proposal for unification of teachers service rules.

The Chief Minister said 6,300 Government High Schools would be developed as success schools or centres of excellence with necessary computers, labs and all other facilities.

UNI