Malda, Jan. 14: Diverging from the government policy of not burdening primary schoolchildren with examinations, the Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) here has decided to introduce class and annual tests for students in the two schools it runs here.

However, the mission authorities have decided not to hold any tests during transition from Class IV to V for students of the same school. The mission had in the past followed the government policy on primary education, but recently decided to diverge from it.

Swami Dibyananda, the head of the mission here, said the new decision has been taken only after discussions with parents and guardians of the students studying in the two primary schools, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyamandir Urban Junior Basic School and Ramakrishna Mission Ashram Sishu Sadan. Two hundred boys and girls study in each of the schools.

?We took the decision as Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyamandir is known for its excellence and no one, including parents of those who study here, want the institution to lose its reputation. We have to preserve the standards of teaching and the quality of students we produce,? said Swami Dibyananda.

Stating that a promotion system will be introduced against a pass mark of 35 per cent, the ashram head said it would be introduced from the new academic session beginning this year.

District primary education council chairman Sanjib Roy said the government allows administrative freedom to all missionary schools. ?I have received a letter from them (RKM) stating that the system is being introduced. I have nothing to say,? he said.