The recent decision by the State Education Board to change examination centers for SSC and HSC staff, including centre directors, supervisors, and peons, has sparked strong opposition from Shikshan Kranti Sanghatana. The move, aimed at reducing copying during exams, has been criticized as ineffective and impractical by the organization.

Sudhir Ghagas, the State President of Shikshan Kranti Sanghatana, condemned the decision, calling it an inappropriate approach to curbing cheating during exams. Ghagas pointed out that while there have been isolated cases of copying at certain centres, the solution should not be to randomly change staff across the state. Instead, he argues that efforts should be focused on monitoring and improving the examination environment at those specific centres.

“The decision to simply change the examination staff is not only unfair but also impractical. It will cause unnecessary stress and confusion for teachers and examiners, especially with the increased traffic in urban areas during the exams”, Ghagas said in a statement.

He also raised concerns about the timing of this decision, noting the difficulty of reaching changed exam centres on time after regular school duties, especially in cities plagued by traffic issues. Additionally, Ghagas highlighted logistical challenges, such as managing regular teaching hours, generating IDs, and completing online tasks related to exams. He further criticized the lack of coordination between the Ministry of Education, the Education Commissioner, and the Board Chairman.

The State President warned that if the State Education Board does not retract its decision, Shikshan Kranti Sanghatana will consider a boycott of the upcoming SSC and HSC exams. Ghagas emphasized that the decision could result in unnecessary mental stress, wasted time, and additional costs without effectively addressing the root cause of copying.

He also pointed out the government's failure to allocate funds for mandatory CCTV installations in exam centres, which undermines the seriousness of the measures to ensure fair exams.

Ghagas has called on State Board President Sharad Gosavi to reconsider the decision, offering a more sensible and coordinated approach to ensuring the integrity of SSC and HSC exams. Otherwise, the organization plans to call for non-cooperation and possible protests.