Representational image
Avneet Kaur
Jalandhar, August 5
Even though the state government has expressed disagreements with the Central government over conducting university exams in the state, it has allowed IELTS exams to be held in the city on Thursday.
‘If gyms can open why can’t IELTS centres?’
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The owners of IELTS institutes condemned the double standards of the state government for not allowing IELTS institutes to open while a free hand was given to IDP, BC to conduct the exam. They said they were paying a hefty rent for their premises. Also, they were paying salaries to their staff. “Moreover, if gyms can be allowed to operate, we, too, should be given a nod to resume classes,” they said.
As per sources, the IELTS exam is being conducted at the district level on a weekly basis and in two shifts – morning and afternoon. The Special Chief Secretary, Home, Satish Chandra in a letter addressed to all Deputy Commissioners last month, said both IDP and BC were allowed to conduct exams in accordance with social distancing norms and other precautions.
“It was on July 16, that the first IELTS exam was held in the city after a break of nearly four months due to the lockdown. So far, the exam has been held four times and in two shifts on July 16, 18, 25 and 30. On Thursday, the exam will be held for the fifth time,” said sources, adding that the exam was being held on the same venues i.e. hotels associated with the IDP and BC.
“In a hall having a capacity of nearly 200-300 candidates, only 30 candidates are allowed to sit for the exam. As the exam is being held in three to four venues and in two shifts, it could be said that around 250-300 students are taking the exam on one date. Nearly a gap of 4 metres is being ensured in the sitting arrangement and everyone has been informed to bring their own water bottles and pen-pencil kits. The IDP and BC are first accommodating those candidates in the exams, who were registered for the March test. The new candidates are also allowed depending upon the number of seats left,” said one of the IELTS academy owners.
He said IELTS aspirants were elated, as they have been waiting to appear for the exam since long.
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