The recent announcement of the 5th and 8th-grade examination results in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has sparked widespread concern and disappointment. A significant number of students have failed, raising serious questions about the quality and fairness of the examination system in government schools. The situation has led to protests in Chilas, Diamer district, where students have voiced their dissatisfaction and demanded justice.
Student Protests and Demands
In response to the alarming failure rates, students in Chilas gathered in protest, urging the Secretary of Education to personally address their grievances. Their primary demand is a thorough scrutiny of the examination results, citing inconsistencies and errors in the marking process. The students believe that a fair re-evaluation of their answer sheets will more accurately reflect their knowledge and abilities, rather than the apparent discrepancies present in the current results.
The protests highlight a growing distrust in the examination system, with students asserting that their efforts and hard work have not been properly acknowledged. The frustration among students and their families underscores a larger issue within the educational framework in GB government schools.
Flaws in the Examination System
The examination system in GB government schools has long been plagued by inefficiencies, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability. Several key issues contribute to the declining standards of education and examination, including:
- Inconsistent Marking and Evaluation – Reports of errors in the grading process suggest a lack of standardized procedures for checking exam papers. The demand for scrutiny by students is indicative of their lack of confidence in the marking system.
- Poor Teaching Standards – Many government schools suffer from a shortage of qualified and trained teachers. This directly impacts students’ ability to perform well in exams, as they do not receive the necessary guidance and instruction.
- Lack of Educational Resources – Many schools lack essential learning materials, such as textbooks, proper classrooms, and modern teaching aids. Without adequate resources, students struggle to grasp fundamental concepts.
- Inadequate Examination Policies – The current system does not ensure transparency in exam setting, paper checking, or result compilation, leaving room for errors and unfair grading.
The Need for Reform
The students’ demands for a fair re-evaluation of their results must be taken seriously by the authorities. However, addressing this immediate concern is not enough. The education system in GB requires comprehensive reforms to prevent such crises in the future. The government must:
- Implement strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure fair marking and eliminate biases or errors.
- Improve teacher training programs to enhance the quality of education delivered in government schools.
- Ensure that all schools have access to the necessary resources to support effective learning.
- Introduce a transparent examination policy that includes regular audits and reviews to maintain credibility.
The failure of a large number of students in GB government schools is not just an issue of poor performance but a reflection of the deep-rooted problems in the education system. The ongoing protests in Chilas highlight the urgency of the situation, and the authorities must take immediate steps to restore students’ trust in the examination process. GBC SSN and other educational stakeholders stand in full support of the students’ demand for fairness and transparency. Every student deserves a just evaluation, and their future should not be compromised due to systemic failures. The government must take swift action to ensure a credible, fair, and efficient education system in Gilgit-Baltistan.