Subject combination confuses Class XI students

Sukhwinder Pal Sodhi

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Chandigarh, July 27

There is a utter chaos and confusion among Class XI (Arts) students since they are not being allowed to opt for subjects of their choice, though it has been allowed in the prospectus.

For example, out of Hindi, Punjabi, political science and physical education, a student is being forced to opt for one of these. But the department rules state that these four subjects should not be offered collectively. A student has to study five subjects.

Sources said this was a clever attempt by certain teachers who want to remain free as any student would opt for physical education out of this combination. Every school has two sections of 60 students each. The purpose is to merge the two sections being handled by a single teacher making the other teacher free. The schools are doing this at their own whims and fancies.

Students, requesting anonymity, said they were forced to opt for certain subjects against their will.

This can be gauged from the fact that many schools have not displayed detailed information regarding the availability of various subject combinations on their notice boards. This is forcing us to apply for a change of school, they said.

Officials held a meeting last Saturday with school principals in this context and warned them against this practice. The department then issued a circular to the principals of senior secondary schools of the city to display all subject combinations available on the notice board as well as in the classrooms of Class XI before July 30. The lists have to be discussed with the DPI.

Deputy Director, Schools, Chanchal Singh confirmed that the circular has been issued after receiving scores of complaints.