Kolhapur admin implements copy-free campaign

Kolhapur: HSC Board exams commenced on Tuesday with the English language paper, with the Kolhapur administration deploying drone surveillance at sensitive examination centres in the district. In the Kolhapur division, 1,16,626 students — from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts — are appearing for the exam.This year, the district administration has decided to implement the copy-free campaign effectively, and CCTV cameras were installed at all examination centres. As a result, every movement is being closely monitored.Outside the exam halls, parents were seen encouraging students by offering positive affirmations, and several parents waited for three hours until their children emerged after the paper concluded. On the first day, students said the paper was lengthy.Ananya Mudgal, an HSC student at the New College exam centre in Kolhapur, said: "The paper was easy, but lengthy. I was able to attempt around 98% of the question paper. Hopefully, other papers will also be easy."Subhash Chougule, the secretary of the Kolhapur Board, said, "On Tuesday, the exams were conducted peacefully. Drone surveillance was deployed at a few sensitive examination centres to prevent cheating cases. Helplines, counsellors and support teams have been appointed. If any student wants counselling, they can call the assigned counsellor between 8am and 8pm until the exam concludes."Kolhapur district collector Amol Yedge appealed to students to face the exam with a calm mind and without stress. Yedge said, "Students' hard work throughout the year will pay off. Parents are requested not to put undue pressure on their children. Make sure that they get timely food, adequate sleep and a conducive environment for studies."On Tuesday, STD booths, photocopy and fax centres within 100m of exam centres were kept closed. Entry was given only to examinees, education officers and teachers, while parents were prohibited from entering exam centres.