50 lakh+ answer sheets pile up as teachers shun valuation work

NAGPUR: As the stalemate between state education department and junior college teachers' associations continues, over 50 lakh answer sheets of HSC examination have piled up for valuation due to the boycott call given by teachers.
The education department too has not come up with any concrete solution though the associations had made their intent to boycott valuation process clear even before the board exams started. Teachers across the state have boycotted all post-exam work till the state government agrees to their almost a dozen demands.
Avinash Borde, president of Vidarbha Junior College Teachers' Association (VJCTA), said, "Our entire focus is on academic interest of students, so no one should think that we are doing something wrong. In fact, all our teachers are going daily to exam centres and ensuring that HSC papers are conducted in a proper manner. We are doing this, despite the government not making any promises, because we care about students and their future."
Last year itself, the teachers had approached the government and presented their demands, which have been pending for quite some years. The first meeting between the two stakeholders, after HSC exams started, was held last week in Mumbai. Borde said the meeting ended without any firm decisions being taken.
"School education minister Deepak Kesarkar was unwell and attended the meet online. We wanted the concerned authorities to give their assurances in writing, which did not happen," said Borde. "But now the minister's office has informed that minutes of our meeting will be given. Based on the copy of the minutes, we will discuss it with our apex body and decide the further course of action," said Borde.
He added that VJCTA members too have expressed concern for students. "It's a natural thing for any teacher. Students will always be our priority. So all our actions will be taken only after considering the impact it will have on students," said Borde.