Despite the government identifying the problem and earmarking funds way back in November 2011, as many as 1,160 centres hosting SSC Board examinations across the state do not have adequate furniture for students to sit and write on. Over 12.87 lakh students have registered for the SSC exams this year, starting March 26, with most of the 5,849 centres located in government schools.
According to officials, the SSC Board received proposals from various districts to buy 1.60 lakh dual desks to overcome the shortage, and the government allocated Rs 3,320 for each such desk. But the education department has managed to buy only 75,000 dual desks so far, leaving a shortage of 85,000 desks, officials pointed out. Meanwhile, the minister for secondary education, Mr K. Parthasarathi, has directed officials to make alternative arrangements.