Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Shivamogga, Apr 14: It is gathered that Kannada medium teachers of the district are being compelled to undertake evaluation of English medium SSLC answer scripts.

This can severely jeopardise the interests of the students as SSLC is in important stage in a student's life. It is said that the Kannada medium teachers, even though they are disinterested in undertaking this work, are forced to evaluate the papers by providing them with model answers. Those who are unwilling, are being threatened to give in writing their unwillingness to evaluate answer sheets, it is reported.

Some teachers, speaking to a Kannada daily on the request of anonymity, revealed that they find it difficult to evaluate English answer sheets, having taught in Kannada medium for many years. They revealed that there is no problem with mathematics paper but real problem arises in evaluating science and social science papers where students provide elaborate answers for subjective questions. They fear that they might not be doing justice to students and sometimes brilliant students might suffer because of this problem.

The teachers point out that after detailed discussions on this issue last year, the department had issued a circular, to see that English medium answer sheets are not got evaluated through Kannada medium teachers. This kind of evaluation is continued to be got done even after the teachers expressed their reservations.

Deputy director of public instruction of the district, Sumangala P Kuchinad, clarified that evaluation of English medium answer sheets is not being got done through Kannada medium teachers and that instructions contained in the said circular are being strictly followed. She said that there is no objection if interested Kannada medium teachers come forward to attend to this work. She felt that some teachers could have relied on falsehood in this respect with some purpose.