The paper marking imbroglio

The present imbroglio affecting the marking of A/L answer scripts would no doubt stir the conscience of all those who have the interest of the country’s student population at heart.

There had been many editorial comments on the consequences of the decision launched by certain Teacher Unions to boycott the scrutiny of A/L answer scripts. With the issue placing the future of the student population on the line the subject warrants a repetition and reiteration of the sentiments expressed in this connection.

To put things in perspective it has to be admitted that teachers were among the least paid among our public servants until now. Considering their importance in society as the agents responsible for the formation and moulding of future generations the teacher fraternity received shabby treatment under many regimes. This Government has taken corrective action in this regard.

It goes without saying that theirs is a thankless job that carries great responsibility of not only imparting knowledge but also in the character formation of their charges to enable them to enter society as responsible citizens.

All Governments should take the blame in being lackadaisical in addressing the woes of the teachers that has snowballed today. The appalling results at the last GCE O/L examination could well be symptomatic of the neglect of the teaching profession by and large and quick remedies need be found to alleviate their grievances.

Besides, this had also contributed to teachers neglecting their classroom functions and opting to conduct private tuition to augment their income. In addition Government teachers also have to submit themselves for transfers most often to uncongenial stations cutting them out from their families and loved ones.

This in turn affects their performance, with the students being the ultimate losers. On the plus side, it has to be mentioned that teachers have to work only up to 2 p.m. and are entitled to more or less three months paid leave every year, in the form of school holidays.

Never has the country witnesses agitation launched by the teaching fraternity as that being witnessed today. We see today the common spectacle of teachers holding death fasts opposite the Fort Railway station to draw the attention of the authorities to their grievances - all of which have lowered their once jealously guarded esteem in the eyes of the public while also earning the disrespect of the larger student population which naturally had impacted on discipline.

Therefore, it is time that the Government take cognisance of the importance of the role of the teacher population and put in place a mechanism where their grievances could be addressed to on a consistent basis.

However, none of the above should spur the teachers into the type of precipitate action that we see today in respect of the evaluation of A/L answer scripts.

This action contrary to winning them sympathisers could only harden the attitude of the parents and the public who will be constrained to treat them like the members of another noble profession who drop their stethoscopes at the drop of a hat.

The striking teachers should realise that what is at stake is the future of the students who are on the threshold of breaking into the sphere of higher education. One only hopes that there is no outbreak of rebellion by these students to match the ones we already have in our seats of higher learning. Teachers are a breed we least expect to hold a gun at the head of the Government to win their demands.

The strikers should realise the damage they are causing to the dignity of their profession which cannot be valued in terms of rupees and cents. As guides and philosophers of the younger generation it is unbecoming of them to use muscle-flexing tactics to win their demands however much justified these may be.

Do they realise the message conveyed to the public? Is it that the this noble profession too has now denigrated to the levels of other disciplines where mammon holds sway. It is now up to them to act nobly in a manner that befits their profession.