NETIMES News Network

Imphal, Sept 13, 2020 : Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam today  oversaw the conduct of NEET examinations at some centres including Manipur University, T. G. Higher Secondary School and Wangkhei High School.

The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UG) 2020 is one of the most important examinations for aspirants competing to take admissions in MBBS/BDS Courses and other undergraduate medical courses, said Radheshyam who is also the government’s spokesman.

He added that the delay in conducting the examination was due to COVID-19 pandemic across country and the state.

There has been uncertainty and anxiety among the students and parents about the teachers, officials concerned and security personnel for the necessary arrangement and their career and future professional path.

The Centre along with the respective State Governments made arrangements for NEET being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Radheshyam appreciated the precautionary steps being taken up at the examination centres abiding SOPs – wearing face shields, face mask, hand gloves and maintaining physical distance among the students in the examination rooms with only 12 students being seated per room.

He sought for support and cooperation from the parents and stakeholders if there is any examination or reopening of the schools in the near future.

Along with senior officials of Manipur education department, the minister also visited the Sekmai Khumbi High School, Shikhong Khunou Primary Madrasa, Heirok Higher Secondary School and Lalit Madhop Sharma High School Khongjom and inspected the prevailing infrastructural conditions of the schools.

Stating that many schools will be upgraded to higher secondary schools on need base as per the requirements, the minister said that the Sekmai Khumbi High School and Lalit Madhop Sharma High School Khongjom are among the schools to be upgraded to higher secondary schools.

Owing to COVID – 19 pandemic many students who were pursuing their education outside the state have returned back in the state and these students may opt to pursue their studies in the state, continued the minister.

Besides many students desiring to pursue their education outside the state may choose to continue their education here, he said, adding that the infrastructural up-gradation in schools will facilitate in accommodating these students.