Editor
The MBOSE examination 2025 for SSLC conclude on February 25, 2025 and the HSSLC exams are ongoing. Every year the Board puts in all efforts to conduct the examination smoothly and complete the evaluation process as early as possible. However, the number of candidates appearing and the time taken to complete the process is unimaginable even though the Board starts the evaluation process for each subject immediately after the examination for a particular paper is completed. MBOSE has a customary practice to declare the results for its students in a phase-wise manner but never on the same day for both X and XII exams unlike CBSE. Here are some reasons why MBOSE is unable to complete the evaluation process within a definite timelime.
1. One of the major issues plaguing the Board is the excessive time taken to evaluate examination papers. With only less than 1 lakh students appearing for the exams combining both X & XII, the evaluation process stretches over one to two months, causing undue burden on teacher examiners and disrupting the academic environment in schools. Comparatively, national boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) handle a significantly larger number of students, yet complete their evaluation process within two to three weeks. The delay in declaring results is due to several factors including the administrative process of compiling and releasing results across a large number of students and examination centres. This stark difference raises concerns about the Board’s management efficiency and the overall system’s effectiveness.
(1) Another pressing issue is the Board’s failure to take action against schools that refuse to relieve their teachers for examination duties. In the case of CBSE, schools failing to comply with the requirement of sending teachers for evaluation face strict penalties, including fines and the risk of losing their affiliation. However, in the State Board, such non-compliance goes unpunished, leading to further delays in the evaluation process. Teachers who should be contributing to the timely evaluation of answer scripts remain occupied in their respective schools, leaving the burden to a few examiners who struggle to meet deadlines. This lack of enforcement weakens the Board’s authority and negatively impacts the examination process.
(2) Another major issue is the lack of action against individuals who fail to report for examiner’s duty. Instead of issuing penalties or seeking explanations, the board merely stops calling such individuals for duty in the future. This passive approach further weakens the system, allowing examiners to shirk responsibilities without consequences.
(3) The Board does not provide fixed working hours for evaluators. Many examiners report and leave at their own convenience, leading to an inefficient and unstructured evaluation process. This lack of discipline further delays the completion of paper checking, prolonging the overall process unnecessarily.
(4) Adding to the problem is the misuse of influence by some teachers at different levels to be exempted from their evaluation duties. Some resort to fraudulent means, such as obtaining fake medical certificates through acquaintances in the Health Department, to avoid their responsibilities. Such unethical practices not only compromise the integrity of the evaluation system but also put an unfair workload on the honest teachers who diligently fulfil their duties. If left unchecked, these practices could erode trust in the Board’s governance and the education system as a whole.
(5) A significant academic concern is that some teachers are assigned to evaluate subjects they have not specialized in during their undergraduate degrees. Despite the minimum qualification for secondary teachers being a UG degree in a relevant subject, many government-aided schools appoint teachers to subjects outside their area of expertise. Principals, for reasons best known to them, often allocate teachers to subjects without considering their specialization. This practice extends to the evaluation process, where teachers unfamiliar with certain subjects( familiar only after instructed to teach that particular subject by some principals/Head) are assessing students’ answers, potentially leading to inaccurate grading.
(6) It appears that the Board does not actively seek out teachers with expertise in specific subjects for the evaluation process. Instead, the system relies on volunteers, which raises concerns about the credibility and fairness of the assessment process. A more structured and merit-based selection of examiners is necessary to ensure that subject specialists handle evaluation tasks, maintaining the quality of grading and fairness to students.
The inefficiencies in the Board of School Education’s examination evaluation system demand urgent attention. By implementing stricter policies and transparent processes, the Board can ensure a fair, efficient, and accountable system. The future of thousands of students depends on the credibility of the examination process, and it is high time for the authorities to take corrective measures to uphold the integrity of our education system.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Involve local communities in checking influx
Editor,
Apropos of the news “Unsure about ILP, Government now to strengthen MRSSA” (ST March 3, 2025). I am in sync with the statement of Paul Lyngdoh, Minister and spokesperson of the government, “We can improve upon this Act. I see it as an immediate solution rather than waiting for the Centre to respond positively to ILP demand. We should strengthen what we already have in our hands – the MRSSA.” In Meghalaya we have governance systems as below:
If the grassroot system is lax, the ADCs and the government will always be in a state of flux and instability. This has been said by none other than late Tokin Rymbai, an expert on governance and land system in Meghalaya. He was also the Chairman of the Land Reforms Commission of Khasi Hills. I agree with Paul Lyngdoh that the Government has to strengthen the MRSSA evolve a mechanism to strengthen the oldest grassroot institutions so that they monitor how people enter the localities in Meghalaya. The Government could empower them and provide the necessary resources and the mechanism to check influx at the grassroots level.
In absence of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, there are several grassroots-level measures that can be implemented to check influx. The traditional village councils like the Dorbar Shnong can play a crucial role in monitoring and regulating the entry of outsiders. These institutions can maintain records of residents and visitors, ensuring that any new arrivals are documented. Local communities can be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar faces to the authorities. This can help in early detection and prevention of illegal influx.
As far as collaboration with local authorities is concerned there is a need for better coordination between traditional institutions and district administration to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring efforts. Regular meetings and information sharing can help in addressing issues. Law enforcement agencies can work closely with local communities to ensure that illegal activities are promptly addressed. This can include regular patrols and checks at vulnerable points. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public about the importance of monitoring illegal influx and legal requirements for non-residents. This can help in garnering community support for the measures being implemented. Leveraging technology, such as mobile apps and online portals, can make it easier for residents to report any suspicious activities and for authorities to maintain records.
At the grassroot level initiatives like encouraging local solutions for local problems can be effective. For example, the Nongrim Hills Dorbar Shnong registers all residents and tenants, ensuring that they have a clear record of who is entering and leaving the shnong. Communities can be engaged in the implementation and monitoring process which helps build trust and ensure the success of the measures.This will effectively check illegal influx.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email