Despite continued protests and debates by students and opposition parties, the Joint Entrance Examinations(JEE) Main for the admission in Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) in the session 2020 has begun with precautions amid Covid-19 pandemic on Tuesday.
To ensure the adequate arrangements for students appearing for the examinations, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that Indian Railways has allowed candidates to travel by special suburban train services in Mumbai.
The minister, in an official statement, said that students along with their guardians will be permitted to travel by special suburban services of Central and Western Railways on exam days. The admit cards of the candidates will be considered as proof to enter stations along with their guardians.
The Railway Minister also urged general passenger to restrain their travel on exam days.
As per a joint statement released by the Central and Western Railways, the frequency of trains will also be increased to help the students.
The railways have also asked students to maintain social distancing during their travel. Additional booking counters will be opened at important railway stations to ensure social distancing.
The JEE Main 2020 examination has already begun starting from today and will continue till September 6 under the observation of National Testing Agency(NTA). The NEET 2020 is scheduled to be held on September 13.
Meanwhile, the local train services were suspended in March following the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Mumbai Locals were, however, resumed from June 15 for essential workers and emergency services after remaining closed for over 2 months.
