Move to update student registration irks teachers

An “ill-timed” move by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) to streamline the Class VIII examination process has sent hundreds of teachers, both government and private, into a tizzy.

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The PSEB has issued directions to school heads to update the registration number of students by January 31. So far, there were separate registration numbers for students appearing in Class V and VIII board exams. Under the fresh directions, if a student had passed Class V from the PSEB but has been allotted a new registration number for Class VIII examination, then his/her registration number will have to be updated to the one allotted for the Class V exams.

The registration process for Class VIII board exams was completed in October-November last year. Nearly 3 lakh students have been registered to appear for the Class VIII board exams in the state.

The move comes when pre-board and second term exams are on while the Class VIII board exams are going to start on February 19. Teachers have been asked to submit the revised pro forma of registration of each student at the PSEB head office in Mohali.

The PSEB decision at this juncture has not only left the teachers fuming, but parents of students are anxious too. “The board has instructed teachers to personally submit forms with updated registration numbers by January 31. This should have been planned in advance,” said Vikramdev Singh, president, Democratic Teachers’ Front, Punjab. He said “The board’s intention behind the move is to collect fine from teachers in case the registration numbers are not updated on time.”

Ashwani Awasthi, a government school teacher from Amritsar, said teachers would be fined Rs 500 per error or delay in updating the registration numbers.

Education Minister Harjot Bains, when contacted for comment on the issue, said, “I will get back after getting details on the matter.”