Gujarat School Trustees Barred from Exam Centers, Association Seeks Review
As Classes 10 and 12 final exams in Gujarat are set to commence on February 26, a significant controversy has arisen over the entry of school management representatives at examination centers. The Gujarat School Management Association has formally urged education authorities to reconsider and revoke a recent resolution that bars trustees and management members from entering school premises during the exam period.
Background of the Restriction
Earlier, the Gujarat education department implemented a decision prohibiting school trustees and management representatives from accessing exam centers while board examinations are in progress. This move was intended to ensure the integrity and smooth conduct of the exams, which are administered by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).
Association's Appeal to the Board
In response, the School Management Association has written to the secretary of the GSHSEB, requesting a review and relaxation of this restriction. The association emphasized that many educational institutions in the state are operated by public trusts established solely for service purposes. Trustees, who often reside in urban areas for business reasons, continue to provide essential guidance and financial support to schools in their native villages.
Financial and Operational Challenges
The association highlighted several critical issues in its representation:
- Lack of Government Funding: The state government does not provide financial assistance for constructing school buildings in granted schools. While salary grants are available for teaching and non-teaching staff, maintenance grants are minimal and insufficient to cover rising operational expenses.
- Mandatory Infrastructure Costs: Schools bear the full financial burden of installing CCTV cameras and fire safety equipment, both of which are mandatory requirements for board exam centers.
- Rural Area Concerns: In rural regions, problems such as power outages frequently occur during exams, making the presence of trustees crucial for addressing emergencies and ensuring uninterrupted exam proceedings.
Call for Detailed Discussion
The management association has requested a comprehensive discussion in the next board meeting to reconsider the resolution. They propose allowing trustees entry under unavoidable circumstances, arguing that their involvement is vital for the effective functioning and support of schools, particularly in challenging situations.
This development underscores the ongoing tensions between regulatory measures and the practical needs of educational institutions in Gujarat, as the state prepares for its crucial board examinations.
