Bypassing Pass-Fail

Abolition of Pass-Fail System
in exams upto Class VIII.
Bengal govt’s decided to adopt center’s new education policy of doing away with pass-fail system up to class VIII for students in the age group 6-14.Now, schools, private or govt, won’t be able to refuse admission of any student. If it does it’ll be a cognizable offence. Nor can it expel him even if he fares very badly in exams. In that case teachers will be held some way responsible for bad performance of his student. Even in case of drop-outs the teacher would be held answerable. Earlier the ball was in student’s court, now it’s in teacher’s court. The pivotal role will be played by teachers. In this sense the concept is totally new in our education system and it calls for a good deal of change in our mindset. Now teachers will have to shoulder the tremendous responsibility and work hard. The idea’s no doubt good, but how far it can be implemented in the existing infrastructure is difficult to understand. In the first place, a large number of teachers will be needed and unfortunately their number is abjectly few particularly in rural schools. That apart village schools are not in good shape wanting in adequate no of class rooms and other associated minimal facilities. Will there all parents send their wards to schools as many of them engage their children in earning even at minor age to help them make both ends meet? However, the problem is different in urban areas. Here, will the private institutions, particularly the elite ones, admit whoever seeks admission to their academy? That apart, urban people could hardly persuade themselves to reconcile with the idea of abolition of pass-fail system.