MU exams to begin today, as scheduled

The practical examinations for third year Bachelor of Science (BSc) students from Mumbai University will begin on March 1 as scheduled, said university officials on Thursday.

The practical examinations for third year Bachelor of Science (BSc) students from Mumbai University will begin on March 1 as scheduled, said university officials on Thursday.

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Owing to the ongoing university and college teachers’ strike—in which 30,000 teachers across the state are boycotting all exam-related work, including invigilation and paper assessment— officials were not sure whether exams would proceed as scheduled.

“We will conduct the examinations as scheduled and we have made alternative arrangements,” said DG Wasave, controller of exams, after holding a meeting with the board of examinations.

He added that this includes pressing into action contract teachers, many of whom have not joined the striking unions.

However, CR Sadasivan, president, Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union said, “If the university conducts practicals now, they will only be able to do so by bringing in unqualified and ineligible persons.”

Teachers’ unions across 10 universities in the state began their boycott on February 4, over issues related to appointments and salary arrears.

After talks with the government failed, they vowed to proceed with the strike and were sceptical of the varsity’s ability to conduct the exams in their absence.

The agitating groups have listed out a charter of 13 demands that they submitted to the university as well as government authorities last month.

The Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations has demanded that the government pay them the sixth pay commission scale salary arrears and regularise appointments and promotions of thousands of teachers.