Question : C.B.S.E. EXAMINATIONS

(a) whether the CBSE has issued a circular to schools, affiliated to CBSE, advising them against the practice of holding examination for students below class Vth;

(b) if so, the number of schools which have so far implemented the suggestion;

(c) the modalities of the comprehensive evaluation programme envisaged under the Scheme;

(d) the steps taken/proposed by the Government to encourage more and more schools to implement this scheme;

(e) whether Government have any proposal to make this scheme mandatory;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)

(a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO THE PARTS (a) TO (g) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 454 FOR 22.04.2003 ASKED BY SHRI SHRIPRAKASH JAISWAL REGARDING C.B.S.E. EXAMINATIONS

(a) & (b): As per the information received from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the CBSE has issued a circular on 8.2.2003 recommending to the schools to follow process of continuous and comprehensive evaluation rather than the performance of the learner in the terminal examination. This has been recommended for implementation from Class I to V immediately and for classes upto VIII in a phased manner.

(c): The modalities of the recommendations include reduction in the load of the school bag, setting no home-work for students of 1st & 2nd, provision of a small library having important textbooks, moving away from pass-fail system, participation in softer subjects like painting, music, dance, while continuing to provide utilitarian education. This will help them to grow as a harmonious personality and to understand the meaning and joy of life.

(d): The Board will encourage all the affiliated schools to follow the scheme in a phased manner.

(e): The Government has no such proposal.

(f) & (g): Does not arise.