CHANDIGARH, Nov 21: The conduct of examination under the National Open School Scheme has led to a controversy with students alleging that they were forced to fetch cooked meals from designated shops in the name of conducting Home Science practical examination. Cooked meals obtained from these shops were to act as a substitute for food cooked by the students.The controversy arose at the Sanjay Public School in Sector 44 where the Home Science practical examination virtually turned into a picnic. In the practical, pupils were supposed to prepare dishes in the presence of the teacher in charge and display their culinary skill. Printed specifications regarding the dishes were also provided to the school authorities. But not only were the students asked to procure ready-made dishes from the market, they were also given specific directions about the names of shops from where the dishes could be bought. Pupils were also instructed to get the name of the shop properly stamped on the packed items.Praveen Kumar, a domestic helper in Panchkula was asked to fetch two plates of Chilli-Chicken from a well known shop located in Panchkula. When Parveen's agitated guardian Dipika Handa complained to the school authorities in this regard, they responded by asking her to replace the "allotted" dish with one of her own choice. While the students and teachers alleged that the directions were issued by the vice-principal, he denied the allegations.Another irate guardian walked up to principal of Sanjay public School, U. Sethi and demanded an explanation. She conceded with stating that "Whatever had happened was wrong," but could not, however, explain as to how the matter went unnoticed despite the presence of ready made dishes brought by the students. Her husband and a member of the board of directors of the school, T. R. Sethi accepted the discrepancy in the practical session but promised to straighten out the matter. A visit to the examination centre revealed that the case of Praveen was not an isolated instance.Jeeto Devi, a 23 year old was asked to buy pastries from a well known shop in Sector 22. When she expressed her inability to meet the demand, the authorities settled for Gulab jamuns for 10 people. A resident of Sector 30, she had reached the venue of the practical examination this morning with the required supply of the sweet bribe. Rita, a resident of Mohali had reached the centre loaded with her contribution of fruit cream for 10 people. Another 17 year old had brought supply of cooked rajmah for 20 people. Another middle aged man complained that the Butter Chicken he had bought had cost him a little over Rs 200.
