Abhishek Banerjee steps in to help Diamond Harbour student sit for board exams

A higher secondary student from Diamond Harbour, who feared she would miss her board examinations after failing to complete her registration on time, has now been able to sit for the test following the intervention of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee.

Afrida Khatun, a student of Netra High School in Diamond Harbour, had travelled to Mumbai to assist in the treatment of a relative suffering from cancer. Due to her absence, she could not complete her higher secondary registration process and was left without an admit card, leaving her distraught and uncertain about her academic future. However, swift action by local party leaders and the MP ensured that she received the necessary clearance to appear for the examination.

Afrida, a resident of the Naskarpara area in Netra, lost her father Nurulhuda nearly 14 years ago. Her mother, Sahana Bibi, supports the family by working in others’ homes. About five months ago, Afrida had to travel to Mumbai to help care for her cancer-stricken aunt. She returned home on Tuesday night and visited her school the next day, only to discover that she had not been registered for the higher secondary exams. Overwhelmed, she broke down in tears at the school.

The matter soon came to the attention of Shamim Ahmed, observer for the Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency, who informed MP Abhishek Banerjee. According to reports, Banerjee immediately contacted the Higher Secondary Education Council and directed that necessary steps be taken to resolve the issue.

Following his intervention, the school submitted a formal request on Wednesday to allow Afrida to sit for the exam. Arrangements for the required fees were also made, and by evening she received her admit card. She is now set to appear for the examination.

Expressing gratitude, Afrida thanked Abhishek Banerjee and others who helped her continue her education. Netra High School’s acting headmaster Sujit Ghosh said, “My aunt had cancer and that is why she had gone to Mumbai. Meanwhile, the exam registration got completed. Later we contacted Abhishek Banerjee.” She added, “Many thanks to sir. He has solved my problem. The teachers at my school also tried a lot so that I could sit for the exam. However, I couldn’t get in touch. I only wanted to be able to take the exam. After that, because of Abhishek Banerjee, I have been able to appear for the examination.”​