Maharashtra Teachers Threaten To Boycott Board Exams Over External Supervisor Appointment

With the State Government on Thursday directing the schools to provide a list of center supervisors for board examination by 27 January, Maharashtra Junior College Teachers Association has threatened that 7000 junior college teachers will boycott board exams, commencing next month, if appointment of external supervisors is not reconsidered. Mukund Andhalkar, General Secretary of the Maharashtra Junior College Teachers' Association informed that more teachers are going to join in. 

The Maharashtra Headmasters' Association and Maharashtra Teachers’ Association also convened a meeting to discuss challenges emerging from appointment of external supervisors and decided to formally write to Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse.

According to Mahesh Shelar, Secretary of the Maharashtra State Teachers' Association, it is unfair to penalise all teachers for malpractices by a small minority. “Teachers are anxious and confused. With exams fast approaching, we aim to resolve this quickly and have already raised the issue with Sharad Gosavi, Director of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education,” Shelar stated. 

Andhalkar criticised the abrupt implementation and lack of prior consultation. “The sudden decision has created confusion among educators, with logistical challenges such as unfamiliar exam centers, increased travel, and potential delays in schedules,” he said.  

The directive is part of the Maharashtra State Board's "Copy Mukt Abhiyaan" to curb exam malpractices. However, the timing has drawn criticism, as the Class 10 board exams are set to begin on February 21, 2025, and the Class 12 exams on February 11, 2025.