Evaluation error gives Jharkhand new Class 10 topper

The function, also an annual practice, has been scheduled for September 2, in which Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das would felicitate the top performers.

JAC has also identified the evaluator and initiated departmental proceedings against the teacher. “Also, he would be barred from any evaluation task for the next three years,” said Mukim.

Registered through S S High School, Childag, in Angara Block of Ranchi, nearly 20 km from the main town, Vikas was a student of Gondli Pokhar High School (GPHS), which is not affiliated. The JAC allows registration of students from these schools through the JAC-affiliated schools on payment of permission fees, after fulfilling certain norms.

Vikas had secured 100 in Maths, 99 in English, 95 in Social Studies, 94 in Science and 80 in Hindi, when the results were first declared. Following scrutiny, his marks in Hindi went up to 93.

Laxmi Narayan Choudhary, a resident of Pertaul village in Angara, said, “I got the news from the local media on Monday morning. When the results were declared earlier, Vikas told me that he did not expect such less marks in Hindi. However, I asked him not to worry about a few marks here and there and focus on his future.”

Read: Day after retest, results of ‘toppers’ cancelled in Bihar

Choudhary, who used to work in a private firm, suffered brain haemmorhage in 2014. “Since then, I had to go Vellore for treatment and, since then, I have quit work. I earn my living through some agriculture on my land and renting out a few rooms for shops,” he said. He took a loan from acquaintance to continue with his treatment and children’s education. However, he ensured that his children’s studies did not suffer. His wife works as a Mid-Day Meal cook in a middle school in the area.

His elder daughter, Priya, has completed diploma in computer science from a polytechnic and is now preparing for government and other jobs.

Vikas is now enrolled in science stream in the prestigious St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, having qualified its entrance examination.

While the news has come in a pleasant surprise, Vikas said that the celebrations have been rather muted. “I went to the temple, but there has been no party. Let us see. There is a felicitation ceremony on September 2,” said Vikas over the phone. He said he wanted to go to IIT and pursue and computer science.

GPHS Principal Brajesh Mahato said Vikas had always being among the top performers in his class. “We will be felicitating him after Teachers’s Day. It is a great boost for our school, as we are looking to get JAC affiliation, but are not able to do so because we own less land. We are trying,” he said.

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