Kolkata: Hundreds of headmasters from state-aided, state-sponsored high schools and high madrasas in West Bengal staged a rally on Tuesday, demanding exemption from Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties and relief from non-academic work.

Organised by the Advanced Society for Headmasters and Headmistresses (ASFHM), the rally started at Karunamoyee Central Bus Stand and ended at Bikash Bhavan, the Education Department headquarters.

ASFHM General Secretary Chandan Maity said BLO duties — such as updating electoral rolls and collecting voter data — were unrelated to teaching and caused stress by disrupting school administration. Participants from 24 districts joined the protest.

Other demands included central pay parity in Dearness Allowance, workplace safety, inclusion in the West Bengal Health Scheme, transparent recruitment to vacant headmaster posts, timely release of maintenance funds, and appointment of qualified academic members to school managing committees.

An Education Department official said senior officers, including Principal Secretary Binod Kumar, held a “fruitful discussion” with a delegation from the association. Maity claimed officials agreed with most demands.

Police confirmed the rally ended peacefully without incident.