In a recent circular given to heads of institutions, the Central Board of Secondary Education has put down standard operating procedures to deal with students who have a shortage of attendance.
While listing out mandatory documents to condone, or allow, the prolonged leave period, the board has also sought the death certificate in case of the loss of father or mother.
Heads of institutions that spoke to TNIE vouched for the 'student-friendliness' of the board while stating that a letter from the principal would suffice. "The chairman who is the ultimate authority of the board takes a call on the condoning the prolonged leave if necessary documents are produced," said an administrator.
"Earlier, a letter by the principal would suffice, with a letter from the authorized medical practitioner, as death certificates take a while to arrive at times," said the administrator. While another principal said a letter from the family has also been sufficient evidence to allow the long leave.
The CBSE board was nuisanced by the late submission or non-submission of documents required to condone prolonged leave. Controller of Examination sent out circulars to heads of CBSE-affiliated institutions with "SOP for dealing with students having attendance less than the prescribed percentage." The official gave specific emphasis on class 10 and class 12 students who would require adequate attendance to write the board examination.
Interestingly, the letter also iterated an analysis of 2019 results which showed a direct relationship between students with the shortage of leave and their performance. "Students whose attendance had been condoned have performed poorly in the examination," the official said, while also pointing to schools that students were not attending school regularly. Hinting at bunking being a menace unaccounted for in a proper manner in schools.
