HP to conduct class examinations till class VIII

Concerned over falling standards at the elementary level, Himachal Pradesh has decided to conduct class examinations in 5th and 8th standards till proper implementation of the continuous comprehensive evaluation.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who met HRD Minister Smriti Irani here today, said the Vidhan Sabha has unanimously adopted a resolution in this regard and a request has been sent to the Centre to make amendment in RTE Act.
The decision of the Himachal Pradesh government comes against the backdrop of a sub-committee of Central Advisory Board of Education recently submitting its report to Irani, recommending reintroduction of the detention policy up to class VIII.

The sub-committee was set up under Haryana Education Minister Geeta Bukkal to examine the no-detention policy under RTE.
The committee argued that not having such a system had led to a sharp fall in the learning outcomes of students.
The Ministry is yet to take a stand on the issue.

During his interaction with Irani, Singh also urged her to extend uniform funding pattern for centrally sponsored Schemes such as Rashtriya Madhiyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid-Day Meal.
He highlighted the status enjoyed by North-Eastern states who were getting fund in the proportion of 90:10, said a statement issued by the state government.

Extending his gratitude to the HRD Minister for giving the state an IIM, the Chief Minister said a land in Mauja Kolar near Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur District has been identified by the District Administration to set up the campus.
He requested that a site selection committee may be sent to finalise the site soon so that the work on this prestigious institution could be started in time.