Maha state board withdraws caste section from hall tickets after outcry

Parents, teachers, and students have strongly criticised the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) following the introduction of a controversial caste category field on this year's examination hall tickets.

- Niraj Pandit

MUMBAI:

However, in a late Saturday evening statement, the board announced the withdrawal of the caste column, expressing regret and respect for public sentiment.

"The caste category section on the hall tickets is being cancelled and it should be noted that the other information regarding the examination of the students will remain as it is," the MSBSHSE stated. Newly prepared hall tickets will be made available for download from January 23.

Initially, stakeholders argued that the inclusion of caste information was both unnecessary and divisive.

Parents and educators emphasised that a student's caste identity held no relevance to their examination process and should not feature on a document meant solely for academic purposes. "This move risks fostering division and perpetuating bias among students," said one concerned parent.