Boards in Limbo?
If the employees of the eight education boards have not undergone a change of heart, a highly unlikely prospect in view of their scheme of things, then this year's SSC examinees may not have their exams on time. The inter-board employees' federation called indefinite strike from yesterday as a follow up of their feet-dragging policy pursued over the last couple of days. The Federation is demanding the cancellation of the report of a task force set up by the Education Ministry to probe the widespread allegation of corruption in the education boards.
Although the content of the report has not been made public, it is understood from the various reports published in the press from time to time that the report is based on facts. No action has yet been taken but the fear of being exposed by the findings of this report has already sent the employees in a frenzy of agitation. The reason for the board employees' choice of this point of time for disruptive programmes is obvious. With the SSC examinations due in less than four months' time what could be more expedient than to agitate now?
There is no doubt corruption in the education sector has reached a point where it can no longer be allowed to spawn unchallenged. We had welcomed Education Ministry's initiative to probe into the heart of darkness and uncover things. We reiterate our support again. But the question that looms large in this crusade against corruption and its fallout is the future of the SSC examinees . We urge the employees to give up this ploy of playing with the future of thousands of examinees in order to attain their 'goal'. This is blackmailing, pure and simple. The Ministry of Education will make a mistake if it shows leniency on this issue. What it can do to keep the air clear from any possible confusion is to get the findings of the report across to people. Press could be of great help for that purpose. It is on the right track and public need to know that.
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