WBBSE DA Strike: WBBSE Cancels Special Duty Leave for Madhyamik Paper Evaluators on March 13 DA Strike Day

WBBSE DA Strike: The ongoing movement by state government employees demanding pending Dearness Allowance (DA) is gaining significant momentum in West Bengal. A major strike has been called on March 13 over this pressing issue. Against this backdrop, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has issued a strict directive for teachers responsible for evaluating Madhyamik examination papers, sparking massive controversy in the educational sector.

New Directive from the Education Board

Through an official notification, the board clarified that teachers involved in checking Madhyamik answer scripts will not be allowed to avail of ‘Leave of Absence on Duty’ on the upcoming March 13. Generally, head examiners, examiners, and scrutinizers participating in this evaluation process utilize this special leave to complete their tasks without physically attending the school premises. However, the new rule temporarily deprives them of this privilege on that specific day.

The Root of the Controversy

A large section of teachers believes there is a hidden agenda behind this sudden move by the board. Since a statewide strike is scheduled for March 13 to press for the clearance of DA arrears, many suspect that this directive is an indirect strategy to force all teachers to remain present in schools. Usually, evaluators manage the paper-checking process independently using the ‘Leave of Absence on Duty’, and taking this away is being viewed as a direct infringement on their professional freedom.

Fierce Backlash from Teacher Associations

Following the publication of this notification, multiple teacher organizations have erupted in strong protests. They argue that participating in a strike is a fundamental democratic right that cannot be snatched away by the administration.

• Bangiya Shikshak o Shikshakarmi Samiti: Representatives highlighted that the government is utilizing the board as a shield to suppress the immense enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming strike. They remain determined, stating that no such ‘fatwa’ can stop the strike from being successful and that teachers will give a fitting reply.
• Nikhil Banga Shikshak Samiti: The organization has labeled this notification as completely illegal. According to them, indirectly forcing teachers to attend school is beyond the legal jurisdiction of the board and is not justifiable by law.

What Lies Ahead?

On one hand, the WBBSE is trying desperately to ensure that the Madhyamik evaluation process is not hindered and that the strike does not paralyze the school system. On the other hand, teacher associations stand firm in their demands, preparing to make the strike a grand success. Consequently, schools across the state are likely to witness an unprecedented and tense situation on March 13.