MUMBAI, March 5: The schedule for the HSC written (theory) examinations is likely to be affected with the Maharashtra Federation of Junior College Teachers' Organisation (MFJCTO) declaring that its members will not assess the answer papers.The teachers' announcement follows the postponement of HSC practical examinations due to the indefinite strike by the non-teaching college employees in the state. The MFJCTO protesting over some long-pending demands has over 3,500 members in Mumbai.However, the State Government has clearly stated that this will not affect or delay the HSC theory exams scheduled to begin next week.Mukund Andhalkar, general secretary of Mumbai Junior College Teachers Union (MJCTU), affiliated to the Maharashtra Federation, informed on Thursday, "We have already sent a letter to Education Minister Sudhir Joshi stating that our members from city's junior colleges will not assess the HSC papers as some of our demands are still pending."Adding that on March 12 the teachers will alsowear black bands to college as a mark of protest, Andhalkar said, "The state has yet to change the vice-principals government resolution of 1996, according to which the vice-principals appointment is based on seniority level from the date of becoming a qualified teacher. Whereas, we feel it should be from the date of joining college."Last week, MJCTU members had a dialogue with Joshi who reportedly promised to rectify the government resolution. However, the teachers are not taking any chances and have decided to boycott the HSC assessment work.Meanwhile, talks between the non-teaching staff led by R B Singh and the Minister of Higher Education Datta Rane proved unfruitful. "Our indefinite strike in over 1,000 state colleges will continue, till orders are not issued with reference to all our demands by the government," said Singh.He added, "In today's meet only time-bound promotions with effect from 1994 was discussed. I've been asked to meet Health Minister Daulatrao Aher for another demandtomorrow."Meanwhile, the government has already intimated the teaching and non-teaching staff of various government colleges to compulsorily attend to exam work.The divisional chairman of HSC/SSC Board, S Abidi, has also stated that they have made necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of theory examinations.Reacting to these developments, Bhavan's College (Andheri) principal D B Kadam said, "If Singh's agitation continues it will affect the college exams too and probably the University practical exams will also be delayed."
