State stays base-line tests for private schools

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government on Wednesday decided not to go ahead with the proposed base-line tests for second to eight standard students at private schools in the state.

The tests were scheduled to begin from July 28. "The Government decision follows strong opposition from parents and teachers associations, which felt the tests would impose additional burden on the students," Maharashtra Chief  Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh told reporters after a cabinet meeting, which discussed the issue.

Education Minister Vasant Purke and senior officials of education department will hold discussions with various organisations in the next fortnight after which a decision on the issue would be taken.