Student of NC Paul College who appeared in exam at Radhamadhab College tests Covid-19 +ve

April 26: A B.Com First Semester student of NC Paul College, Silchar, who appeared in the TDC (CBCS) Odd Semester Examination at Radhamadhab College centre tested positive for Covid-19. The Principal of Radhamdhab College, Dr. Debashish Roy informed that the student appeared in the offline examination on 24 April (Saturday). However, from the very next day, the student started to exhibit symptoms of Covid-19. The boy on Monday went to Patharkandi in Karimganj where his mother is a health worker. The student was then taken for Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at Patharkandi by his mother. On Monday afternoon, the student informed Dr. Rupam Roy, Head Department of Commerce of Radhamadhab College, Silchar that he was detected as Covid-19 positive.

It was learnt that the examination of that student is not over yet. His 2/3 papers will be held in the fiirst week of May. But as he has been directed for compulsory home quarantine for 14 days, it will not be possible on the part of him to appear in the forthcoming papers. This would mean loss in his career. Earlier, a 3rd semester TDC (CBCS) course student of NC Paul College tested Covid-19 positive. She was detected positive in Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at SM Dev Civil Hospital, Silchar on 19 April.

Expressing his views, the Principal of Radhamadhab College, Dr. Debashish Roy said, “This is a tensed situation prevailing in our college. I got the information today evening. I have already instructed to get the campus sanitised on Tuesday. I have also urged upon the students and teachers who were present in the college on 24 April to get themselves tested.”

Dr. Roy further said, even the district administration have expressed apprehension that the conduct of offline examinations may worsen the situation and asked us to take up this matter with the higher authority. “I have already informed about the letter sent by district administration to the Controller of Examinations of Assam University, but unfortunately, till now they have not taken any decision of postponing the ongoing exams. My teachers and staff are continuously calling me since they came to know about detection of a positive case in the college. None are willing to come for the exams. Moreover, as per the latest SOP issued by the Assam Govt, we are to allow only 50 percent teachers and staff in the college on any single day. Moreover, two of our teachers whose children are below 5 years have also been given exemption. So how can I conduct the offline exam now!”

On being asked about the opinion expressed by Dr. Manoj Kumar Paul, Principal of Women’s College and the President of Assam college Principals’ Association, Assam University Zone in today’s Standing Committee meeting regarding continuing exam in offline mode, Dr. Roy said, “How can he say such a thing without consulting the other Principals? He has neither consulted us nor held any meeting before attending the Standing Committee meeting. This is indeed very unfortunate. I am really very worried for my students, teachers and staff.”