Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Congress leader and former Canacona Assembly candidate Janardhan Bhandari has raised objections to the assignment of board examination evaluation duties of core academic subjects to teachers from specialised disciplines such as Drawing and Physical Education.
In a statement, Bhandari said that teachers appointed for non-core or ancillary subjects are reportedly being assigned duties for correction and evaluation of Board Examination answer scripts of core academic subjects, and may also be involved in setting question papers outside their domain of expertise. He expressed concern that such decisions could impact the academic integrity and fairness of the evaluation process in Goa.
“In the larger public interest and with the sole objective of preserving the sanctity, fairness and credibility of the educational system in Goa, I have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, who holds the Education portfolio, raising serious concern and requesting immediate intervention,” Bhandari stated.
In the memorandum, Bhandari termed the practice “fundamentally flawed,” stating that evaluation of examination papers is a quasi-academic and quasi-judicial function requiring subject-matter expertise, fairness and adherence to prescribed standards. He argued that assigning evaluation responsibilities to teachers without the requisite academic qualifications or subject specialisation undermines the credibility of assessments.
Bhandari further claimed that such assignments violate academic standards, amount to arbitrariness under Article 14 of the Constitution, and contravene the doctrine of competence in administrative decision-making. He added that evaluation by non-experts could lead to academic injustice, adversely affecting students’ results and future prospects.
He demanded immediate review and withdrawal of any directives allowing non-subject teachers to evaluate board examination papers or set question papers outside their specialization. He also called for clear guidelines mandating subject expertise in evaluation processes.
Bhandari warned that if the practice continues, he would challenge the decision before the appropriate legal forum, including filing a writ petition before the Bombay High Court at Goa, citing arbitrariness, violation of natural justice and infringement of students’ fundamental rights.
A copy of the memorandum has also been submitted to Director of Education Shailesh Zingde, he added.
