Mumbai: Following objections raised by teachers’ and headmasters’ associations, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has amended its decision to appoint external centre directors and supervisors for the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) board exams.
Instead, external supervisors will now only be deployed at examination centres where cases of malpractice were reported in between 2018 and 2024, excluding the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022.
The Board further announced that any examination centre found involved in cheating during the upcoming February-March 2025 exams would have its recognition as an exam centre permanently revoked starting the following academic year.
The decision to revise the policy came after concerns were raised by teacher organisations, school heads, and representatives, who argued that the previous directive indicated a lack of trust in teachers. They emphasised that not all educators should be held responsible for the actions of a few.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the logistical challenges of implementing such a decision on short notice, especially as teachers are already under significant pressure. It was also highlighted that the decision could disproportionately impact female staff members.
The Board had originally introduced the appointment of external supervisors as part of its ‘Copy Mukt Abhiyaan’ initiative, aimed at eliminating examination malpractices.
This revision is seen as a more measured response, addressing concerns while maintaining a focus on ensuring fairness and integrity in the examination process.
