As schools in various districts were shut down in wake of rising Conjunctivitis cases, the NBSE has allowed affected institutions to reschedule the Class XII mid term exams. (Morung File Photo)
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NBSE allows affected schools to reschedule exams
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 21 (MExN): In response to the escalating cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as Eye Flu, among school students, several districts in the state have taken decisive action to curb the spread of the infection.
As a result, school closures have been ordered, impacting the scheduling of the Class XII Mid-Term Examinations. The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has responded to this situation by allowing those schools to reschedule and conduct the examinations at a later date, with results due by September 30.
The Deputy Commissioners of Niuland, Dimapur and Chümoukedima in a move reflective of the seriousness of the situation, have ordered the temporary suspension of physical classes in schools from August 21 to 26. This precautionary measure aims to control the alarming increase in cases of conjunctivitis among school-going children.
The decision was made in consultation with health officials from the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the Department of School Education, considering the severity of the situation and the growing number of cases. The education authorities have been directed to explore alternative means of education, such as online classes, during this period of closure.
This decision follows the outbreak of conjunctivitis, which according to reports was first reported by an Assam Rifles personnel returning from leave in Phek district in July. The infection has since spread rapidly, prompting the closure of schools in three districts: Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland. These educational institutions will remain closed until August 26, as confirmed by officials. In Mon as well, a decision was taken during a meeting of the district administration and the Health Minister on August 21 to close all schools in the district from August 22 to 26 in order prevent spread of infection.
In response to these closures, the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has accommodated the changes by allowing schools to reschedule the Class XII Mid-Term Examinations. The originally scheduled exams, set to take place from August 21 to 30, were rendered unfeasible in the districts due to the school closures.
Therefore, schools unable to conduct the mid-term examinations within the initial timeframe stipulated in the Academic Calendar are granted permission to reschedule and conduct the exams between September 20 and September 30. The NBSE emphasizes the timely submission of examination results by September 30.
The impact of the conjunctivitis outbreak is striking, with Dimapur bearing the brunt of the cases, reporting a staggering 721 instances. Kohima and Mokokchung have also been affected, with 198 and 87 cases respectively. The true extent of the outbreak could be even more widespread, as some district hospitals are yet to submit their reports.
While the closure of schools underscores the gravity of the situation, the Deputy Commissioners have urged educational institutions to adopt digital alternatives, such as online classes, to ensure that students' education is not unduly disrupted.
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