Fine arts teachers to boycott practicals

Each Fine Arts paper is corrected by four teachers, and each examiner is to be paid Rs 33. But, for reasons best known to the university, this sum is further divided between four examiners so that each teacher gets just one-fourth of the amount. While this practice has always been in place, it was only recently questioned when an examiner brought it to the notice of the university officials in 1992. Thereafter, the then vice-chancellor agreed that each examiner should get the whole sumand accordingly, Rs 33 was paid per paper, per candidate for two years – 1993 and 1994.

However, 1995 saw changes in the BFA course structure as well as an increase in the number of exams conducted by the university. From two exams, the number went up to three. Again, from 1998-99, the five-year BFA course — offered only at the JJ School of Art under the university — has been reduced to four years, with the second and fourth year examinations being conducted by the university. And in a break from the past, exams for the other years are now conducted by the college.

Confusion over which exam was being conducted by which institution led to misinterpretation of rules regarding payment. Result: the examiners were still being paid Rs 8.25 per paper. Following a slew of complaints, Principal of K J Somaiya College S G Dhakappa was appointed to look into the matter.

In his report, Dhakappa pointed out that applied art or painting is a visual art, and examiners appointed must individually assess theperformance of every candidate. Marks are given jointly and the assessment done at the same time, but all candidates are examined in each subject by every examiner separately. Therefore, the remuneration rates as demanded by the teachers are justified, he ruled.

The panel also examined complaints that similar paltry sums were being paid to senior examiners, whose duties also include co-ordinating with their colleagues and studying question paper patterns. The poor financial incentive was making it difficult for the university to get senior examiners not just for assessing practicals but also for setting question papers. The panel also suggested that senior examiners be given additional remuneration.

Dhakappa’s recommendations were accepted in December 1996 at a Management Council meeting. However, a senior Fine Arts faculty member pointed out that payments haven’t increased as the university does not consider the fine arts faculty any different from other faculties.

But the university’s ProVice-Chancellor Dr Naresh Chandra countered that the university has been paying the proper amount to all examiners all along. The varsity’s finance department found that paying each examiner Rs 33 per candidate was too high. “But considering the demands for hike in remuneration, we set up a four-member committee to look into the matter in February,” he adds. The committee is still deliberating the matter.