Helpline for HSC students gets poor response

The helpline service,introduced by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) after the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) results,has received a paltry 15 to 20 calls from students and parents in the last three days.

The figure is in sharp contrast to the response the helpline got during the 12th and 10th standard exams when counselors dealt with over 50 calls a day. Following the good response,the MSBSHSE extended the helpline after the board results to counsel students. Basanti Roy,secretary,Mumbai division,MSBSHSE,said,“We had expected a better response. Not many students were aware of the helpline as its launch was announced late. It was introduced keeping in mind the anxiety students face after the results.”

Professor Vijay Jamsandekar,one of the counselors,said,“Another reason for the dismal response could be the increased awareness among most parents and students regarding the variety of career choices available. They know that scoring poorly in HSC exams or failing does not mean the end of the world. That is what we tell all the students who call us.”

Most people who called enquired about career decisions and related issues. The helpline will be open even after the SSC exam results,said Roy.