PME Ministry sends proposal to scrap this year’s PEC exams

 

Moreover, if the proposal gets approved, then scholarship payments for these examinations will not be awarded this year

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (PME) has sent a proposal to the Prime Minister's Office for scrapping this year’s Primary Education Certificate (PEC) examinations as schools across the nation remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain signed the letter in this regard on Tuesday. The proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday,” Akram-Al-Hossain, senior secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, told Dhaka Tribune.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune on August 11, State Minister Md Zakir Hossain said if the proposal gets approval from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, then the decision will be implemented quickly. 

He also said Junior School Certificate (JSC), Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC), Primary Education Certificate (PEC), and Ebtedayee terminal examinations will not be taken this year if the proposal gets the premier’s approval.

Moreover, if the proposal gets approved, then scholarship payments for these examinations will not be awarded this year.

In addition, the ministry has formulated a plan to conduct the examination in their respective schools this year based on a shorter syllabus.

The implementation of that plan also depends on the Covid-19 situation across the country, an official told Dhaka Tribune. 

Moreover, the ministry has also been preparing a set of plans on how to run schools in compliance with the health safety measures. 

Following the suggestions from the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE), National Academy of Primary Education (NAPE), and Bangladesh Examination Development Unit (BEDU), the Education Ministry is now drafting a recovery plan, such as automatically promoting students to the next class without holding exams, or extending the duration of the academic session to complete syllabus, among others.

However, the Ministry of Education is yet to take a final decision regarding the matter.

The ministry is also planning to hold Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) examinations within two to three weeks of opening educational institutes. 

Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education College Inspector Prof Harun-ur-Rashid said the decision on holding the HSC examinations will depend on when educational institutes will reopen.