MBBS,BDS exams stuck as boycott continues

While teachers of the Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organization (MFUCTO) withdrew their boycott of examination paper evaluation work after a written assurance from the state government that their demands would be met,Members of the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers Association (MSMTA) are yet to receive any such assurance and continue to boycott their assessment duties.

While teachers of the Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organization (MFUCTO) withdrew their boycott of examination paper evaluation work after a written assurance from the state government that their demands would be met,Members of the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers Association (MSMTA) are yet to receive any such assurance and continue to boycott their assessment duties.

Over 2,000 teachers and professors from 14 medical colleges in the state have boycotted supervision duties for the MBBS and BDS examinations conducted by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. The boycott led to postponement of practical examinations for preventive and social medicine,pathology and pulmonary medicine.

For over two years,the MSMTA has been demanding an increase in non-practice allowance (NPA),which they claim has remained the same despite the salary hike.

The salary hike as per the Sixth Pay Commission was implemented in November 2009. The government is still paying us NPA as per Fifth Pay Commission scales. Were losing around Rs 8,000 a month. We held several meetings with the government,and every time got false assurances. It has been more than two years and nothing has been done,which is why we took this drastic step, said Dr N Ramraje,president of MSMTA

Members of MSMTA had met Dr T P Lahane,dean of the state-run JJ Hospital last week to intimate him of their decision,in writing,to boycott assessment work. While agreeing that their demands are justified,the dean said the boycott must not affect students.

Though their demands are valid,the teachers should keep in mind future of students especially those in their final year. The government should ensure that the updated NPA is given to them at the earliest, Lahane said.

The dates of the postponed exams are yet to be announced.

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