Ahmedabad Board Exams Disrupted by Nagar Yatra Procession Noise
More than 1,000 students in Ahmedabad encountered significant difficulties during their Class 10 and 12 board exams on Wednesday, as a Nagar Yatra procession passed through the Walled City. The procession, taken out for the first time from the Bhadra Kali Mata temple, coincided with the ongoing exams, leading to disruptions at three key exam centers.
Exam Centers Affected by Procession Route
Out of 32 exam centers located along the procession route, students at Anjuman School, Raikhad Girls High School, and FD Girls High School were notably impacted. Approximately 1,140 Class 10 students were writing their exams at these centers when the disturbance occurred.
Despite elaborate security and traffic arrangements by police to ensure smooth movement and timely arrival of students, those inside exam halls experienced considerable disturbance. The issue stemmed from loud drum beats and sound systems accompanying the procession, which violated noise regulations.
Noise Violations and Student Stress
At around 10 am, as the procession passed close to these centers, the sound of Nasik dhol groups and loudspeakers reportedly disrupted the exam environment. According to rules, loudspeakers are prohibited within 100 meters of exam centers, but residents allegedly played high-volume speakers for nearly an hour near one center.
While no students faced problems reaching their centers, many reported increased mental stress during the exam due to the continuous noise. This added to the already high pressure of board exams, affecting their concentration and performance.
Broader Implications and Response
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing public events during critical academic periods. Authorities are urged to enforce noise regulations strictly to prevent such disruptions in the future, ensuring a conducive environment for students during exams.
