Short clips to be uploaded on YouTube has film, TV personalities joining drive to boost morale, warn against copying
Comedian Bhalchandra ‘Bhau’ Kadam. FILE PIC; (right) actor Sunil Barve. Pic/Courtesy/Instagram/@sunilbarve
To connect with Gen Z students appearing for the Maharashtra State Board examinations, the board has roped in celebrities and public figures to encourage students, spread awareness and push its ‘copy-free campaign’. Short video messages of two to three minutes, featuring film and television personalities, will boost morale, urge students to avoid unfair means, and attempt the exams honestly.
Comedian Bhau Kadam, actor Sunil Barve, and other known faces have already joined the initiative, while responses from more members of the film industry are awaited. The videos will be uploaded on the Maharashtra Board’s YouTube channel, launched in November last year.
“A list of 20 talking points, including preparation tips, consequences of copying, and provisions for students with disabilities, has been shared with our nine divisional heads. They will soon release explainer videos to connect better with students,” said IAS officer Trigun Kulkarni, chairman of the state board.
Rajendra Ahire, chairman, Mumbai Divisional Board. Pic/Aditi Alurkar
Officials said a detailed list of punishments for various examination-related offences has also been shared with school principals across Mumbai. Heads of schools have been instructed to read out these penalties to students and parents ahead of the exams. The Mumbai division has also been holding routine meetings with school heads and parents to explain the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ of paper-solving.
With the Std X SSC exams scheduled from February 20 and the Std XII HSC exams from February 10, the board has also introduced logistical changes. “Earlier, custodians and police personnel would submit secured answer booklets to the post office the next day. From this year, postal officials will collect the answer booklets from exam centres on the same day,” said Rajendra Ahire, chairman, Mumbai Divisional Board.
For the first time, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will also set up a state-level vigilance committee, in addition to district-level committees, to ensure a copy-free examination process.
Speaking with mid-day about Mumbai’s preparedness, Ahire answered key questions:
Centre heads are awaiting clarity on CCTV surveillance and the exchange of supervisors and exam centres. What is the status?
Teacher representatives have submitted these demands to the board. A state-level decision will be taken and communicated to all divisions. In the Mumbai division — Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban 1 and 2, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Palghar — nearly 90-95 per cent of exam centres already have CCTV facilities.
How is the Mumbai division ensuring smooth conduct of exams?
We have held multiple meetings with centre heads and asked them to audit their premises for adequate benches, washrooms, drinking water and power backup. Principals have also been instructed to brief students and parents on cheating penalties and proper filling of answer sheets.
Any changes in registration trends?
Registrations with late fees are still ongoing, so final figures are awaited. However, we are seeing a reversal of the earlier trend. Previously, SSC registrations were higher than HSC. This year, SSC numbers in Mumbai are currently about 1000 fewer than HSC, possibly due to parents gradually shifting to other boards.
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