2 days Ago
1 2 3 Pune: The state govt has approved a fund of Rs10 crore for the upcoming periodic assessment test (PAT) starting from April first week in schools across Maharashtra. The state education department has added std IX to PAT assessment, increasing the number of students, subjects and pages in question papers. The decision has led to increased costs for paper procurement, printing and transportation of increased weight of papers, making the provision approved earlier insufficient.
The education department has decided to provide additional funds to conduct the exam citing the aforementioned issues. The State Council of Educational Research and Training ( SCERT ) announced a uniform exam schedule for stds I to IX in all schools affiliated to the state education board. The annual exams, summative assessment test 2 and PAT will be conducted simultaneously from April 8 to 25.
In a govt notification issued on Saturday, under-secretary of the state education department Tushar Mahajan said that previously, question papers in govt and private aided schools were printed and distributed for students from standards III to VIII. In March 2024, std IX grade was included. Two separate question papers for mathematics part 1 and 2 were printed for std IX.
"The increase in the number of students, subjects and pages in the question papers led to increased costs for paper procurement, printing and transportation due to increased weight. Hence, the earlier approved provision is insufficient. An amount of Rs1,011 lakh is expected for PAT 3 and a proposal for approval was under govt consideration," he added.
The foundational and consolidated tests under PAT are being completed in schools. Mahajan said, "Approval is granted to distribute Rs10 crore from the state's share of the STARS scheme for consolidated test 2 (PAT3). The expenditure should be covered under the available budgetary provisions for the financial year 2024-25.
" The STARS project funded by World Bank aimed to strengthen teaching, learning and outcome of the educational system and was implemented in the state in March 2021. The joint/deputy secretary of the state school education and sports department, Mumbai, is designated as the controlling officer. The funds are drawn from the treasury and deposited into the relevant account under the state project director, Maharashtra Primary Education Council.
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