WBBSE Grapples with Staffing Issues Ahead of Crucial Madhyamik Examinations
With the Madhyamik examinations scheduled to commence in just two days, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) finds itself in a precarious situation regarding the availability of key personnel. The board is currently unaware of how many teachers and education department officers will be available to perform their essential School Inspector (SIR) duties during this critical period.
Unresolved Requests to Election Authorities
On January 27, the WBBSE proactively sent formal letters to both the Chief Electoral Officer of the Election Commission and various district administrations across West Bengal. These communications specifically requested the release of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are typically teachers assigned election-related responsibilities. However, according to board president Ramanuj Ganguly, no satisfactory response has been received from these authorities despite the urgent nature of the request.
Alternative Arrangements and Temporary Solutions
Faced with this administrative challenge, the board has implemented several contingency measures:
- Deploying teachers from neighboring schools to fill critical gaps
- Replacing School Inspectors still performing as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) with other officials from District Inspector offices
- In some cases, assigning officers from Block Development Offices (BDOs) as alternative arrangements
Ganguly has also recently written to district magistrates, requesting necessary adjustments in the electoral duty roster specifically from February 2 to February 12. This period coincides with the examination schedule, and the board seeks relief for personnel assigned as centre officers-in-charge, additional venue supervisors, and invigilators.
Crucial Roles of Examination Personnel
During a press conference held on Friday, Ganguly elaborated on the indispensable functions performed by teachers and officers during examinations:
- The officer-in-charge plays a pivotal role in collecting confidential materials from custodians before exams begin
- Their signatures are mandatory on answer-sheet packets after each examination concludes
- Approximately 1 lakh invigilators are required statewide, all of whom are teachers from schools across West Bengal
"The letter clearly mentioned how important the role played by teachers and officers is in conducting the exam smoothly," Ganguly emphasized. "We requested them to spare teachers and officers during exam days as we need their full-day participation and are bound to maintain confidentiality of the entire process."
Legal Framework and Examination Priorities
The board president highlighted a significant concern regarding the requisition for BLO appointments, which he claims was made without informing the WBBSE. He referenced a recent High Court order that clearly states in paragraph 14 that teachers should perform BLO duties on non-working days only, ensuring that the education system remains uninterrupted during school days.
"So, we are hopeful that, considering the gravity of Madhyamik, the commission will do the needful," Ganguly stated optimistically. He has formally requested either alternative arrangements or temporary relief for these personnel during the examination period to prevent any disruption to the academic process.
Examination Statistics and Growing Participation
This year's Madhyamik examinations see 9,71,340 candidates enrolled, representing a slight increase from last year's figure of 9,69,425 students. This growth in participation further underscores the importance of ensuring smooth examination conduct and adequate staffing arrangements.
The situation remains fluid as the WBBSE continues to navigate these administrative challenges while preparing for one of West Bengal's most significant academic events. The board's ability to secure necessary personnel will directly impact the examination experience for nearly a million students across the state.
