Maharashtra is one of the leading states in terms of education. The state government is finding different ways to ensure students not only get academic knowledge but also stay active in sports participations.
A few months back, the state education ministry reintroduced sports quota scheme appearing through state board where they can enjoy 15 to 25 marks depending on the participation level.
Moving a step further, the state government has now announced that those students who have to skip classes for the sake of practice and tournaments will get concession in attendance. Generally, 75% attendance is important to appear in exams.
But for the students who participate in sports on different levels can now sit in exams for IX to XII at 60 percent attendance.
Every board has to comply
The new rule will apply on all boards including SSC, ICSE, CBSE and international boards. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council of Indian School Certificate Exam (CISCE) already have this provision.
There are some cases when the student fails to complete the 60% attendance due to extensive practice and participation in sports. In that case, the student can approach the principal and it will be principal’s responsibility to take required permissions from district education officer.
Prashant Redij who is a member of Maharastra Principal Association said that this new rule will also help the students who live in small towns and have to spend a lot of time in traveling.
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Francis Swamy is the Joint secretary of Archdiocesan Board of Education (ABE) that governs 150 schools. He welcomed the step and said that schools try their level best to encourage students to participate in sports. Schools also arrange re-exams and other ways to help the students.
Though we stand second in terms of population, the number of professional athletes is very less in this country. Sports like Tennis, Badminton, and Athletics etc. often fail to find good players. We only have a handful of sportspersons who can represent our country on an international level. It is important to create a good base for the students so that they can take the sports professionally without worrying about the attendance and other academic responsibilities.
