The Manav Adikar Surakshya Manch on Monday held its 102nd Ghanta Yatra (cymbal beating rally) demanding withdrawal of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) decision to increase the fees of Class-X and XII board examinations for SC and ST students.
The CBSE had recently announced hike in examination fees from Rs 50 to Rs 1,200 and from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 for SC and ST and general students, respectively.
The Manch submitted addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Brahmapur Sub-Collector demanding withdrawal of the decision.
Manch convenor Abani Kumar Gaya said, “Besides the examination fee, the CBSE has also imposed a late fee of Rs 2,000 per candidate. It is illegal to impose late fee for poor and needy students.
For appearing in an additional subject in Class X-XII, both SC and ST and general students will now have to pay Rs 300.
Earlier, it was not charged for SC and ST students and Rs 15 was charged for general students. We strongly oppose the move.”
Among others, Sankar Sahu, Kali Das, Pradeep Behera, Subahsish Sahu, Shyam Sundar, Maguni Nahak, Basudev Sahukar and Guru Charan Patra were present.
