Granting full marks in subjects like English & Bengali questionable: Satya Pal Singh

Kolkata: Minister of state for Human Resource Development Satya Pal Singh on Thursday questioned the evaluation system, particularly in subjects like Bengali and English, by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examination.

"How can someone get 100 percent marks in subjects like English and Bengali?" Singh questioned and said that he has directed the CBSE Board to usher in parity in awarding marks, after discussions with other boards.

"There is disparity in marks awarded by different boards in the Class XII final examination. Full marks can be scored in subjects like Mathematics but how can one get hundred percent marks in language? The CBSE will be sitting with different boards and bring parity in marks," he said while addressing a special session on the Higher Education Scenario in India, organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He cited that this issue of evaluation is emerging as a major problem for students seeking admission at Delhi University.

According to Singh, the BJP-led government made plans to have a uniform education policy for the country, as soon as it came to power in 2014. A committee was formed for the purpose, discussions were held and opinion was exchanged at the government level as well as from educationists on the issue and a draft in this regard was prepared.

"However, there were some gaps in the draft and we have formed a new committee. The issue of evaluation will also be a part of the policy," he maintained.

According to the minister, the new Education Policy is being framed under the chairmanship of Prof Kasturi Nandan.

The minister further stressed on changes in the evaluation system and said that the 'No Detention Policy' would be discontinued. He also spoke about providing training to 70,000 untrained teachers.

Singh pointed out that in order to enhance employability of students, 4-month Internship with industry has been made compulsory every year, for hands-on experience. Besides, industrialists are also being encouraged to take up teaching assignments in educational institutions.