Extra time to go through exam papers increased

[dwarakesh]

The extra time for students appearing Standard X and Plus 2 examinations to go through question papers will hereafter be increased from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, according to School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

The Minister, who gave away computers to schools and released compact discs on improvement of English communication skills and activity-based learning methodology (ABM) teacher training modules under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) at a function here on Friday, said the State government was taking a number of steps to improve the environment of government schools and education quality.

The allocation for construction of new school buildings was Rs. 300 crore under the SSA, while it was Rs. 500 crore for a similar purpose under another scheme which was being funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

He expressed the hope that the training on improvement of English communication skills would boost rural students' confidence.

R. Venkatesan, State Project Director of SSA, referred to the government's steps to provide quality education.

M.P.Vijayakumar, advisor, SSA, said the CDs on the communication skills had been prepared in bilingual and interactive mode.