Now, teachers threaten to boycott SSC exams

After junior college teachers boycotted HSC exams, 12,000-15,000 unaided school teachers in the state have warned the government that they would boycott the ongoing Secondary School Certificate exams unless govt provides aid to their schools. Puja Pednekar reports.

After junior college teachers boycotted Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams, 12,000-15,000 unaided school teachers in the state have warned the government that they would boycott the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams unless govt provides aid to their schools.

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These teachers have refused to go on supervision duties or check answer sheets unless the state listens to their demands.

The Maharashtra State Unaided Schools Action Group, representing 200 schools and over 500 teachers from Mumbai, have been protesting a decision by the government to not provide education aid to thousands of unaided schools in the state. If these teachers boycott paper correction, SSC results could be delayed. Evaluation of HSC papers has already been hit due to a similar strike by college teachers.

Schools affected by the government's decision on aid have decided to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as a sign of protest.

"Teachers are disrupting board exams to force the government to agree to their demands. Students are being held ransom here. The state government needs to take some action, otherwise SSC and HSC results will be delayed this year," said Arundhati Chavan, president of the PTA United Forum.

The teachers' protests have added to the examination stress faced by students. Niyati Paranjape, a SSC student from Matunga said, "Board exams are stressful times. These strikes by teachers are making me more anxious. If the board exam results are late, online admissions will start late. Once again the academic year will begin late and we will get less time to study for the exams. Also, it will affect those planning to apply to foreign universities."