The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 Our principle is equal education for all students. Schoolchildren should have equal opportunities under all circumstances, even amidst unspeakable hardships in their regions. Many highly disadvantaged students continue their studies. It is our duty and an important responsibility to ensure their mental well-being is not harmed. Accordingly, I ask the following:

¶ 02 1. Are you aware that students in schools located in hardship-stricken areas below the poverty line are not provided with shoes and learning materials? Do you know that such students are psychologically affected and that their rights are being denied?

¶ 03 2. Schoolchildren are adolescents who are not fully mature. It is not appropriate to categorize or segregate them on any basis when providing benefits such as textbooks, uniform fabric, and shoes. Can you take decisions to implement programmes in the future so that such benefits are provided equally to all students?

¶ 04 3. Are you aware that the scheduled period for this year’s G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination falls during the Muslim holy month of fasting? Do you recognize the impact this period will have on Muslim students’ exam performance? Are you aware of the difficulties in attending examinations while fasting? Will you take these into account when determining exam dates in the future?

¶ 05 4. During the holy fasting period, Muslim students have nightly religious observances, reducing time available for study. Considering the significant impact this can have on their results, can you ensure a calm environment by arranging the examinations either before or after the fasting period so that these students can face the exams without anxiety?

¶ 06 5. Why not address this now?