Mumbai: SSC examiners irked over remuneration delay

City school teachers are disappointed over non-payment of remuneration by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education for evaluation of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam conducted in March. They also allege that they receive minimum remuneration for evaluating the papers.

Rajesh Pandya, Vice President of Teachers Democratic Front, said, "Two to three years ago, the payment was done offline and we used to get remunerations on time. Since the time the state board started sending them directly to the bank account of teachers, payments are being delayed."

Another senior moderator and a teacher from a school in the central suburb said, "I have been receiving several calls from the examiners under me enquiring when will they receive their remuneration. I have no answer for them. Some have received remuneration, while some are still waiting." Highlighting the fact that they are paid less, she added, "Despite sitting for long, from 10:30 am to 5 pm, we hardly get Rs 190 for evaluation, while students are charged Rs 500 per paper."

When contacted the Mumbai Division Board, Dr Subhash Borse, Secretary, said, "Due to huge workload, we payment of remuneration is being delayed. We are releasing the payments slowly. Apart from appointing teachers for evaluation and verification for students' answer papers, board members are also busy in preparations for upcoming July board exams of SSC and HSC students who could not clear their board exam in February and March month."

Board exam for SSC and HSC students who fail to clear their exam this year will begin from July 17.