Centre undertakes major exam system overhaul as NTA sacks 47 officials
Facing a fierce protest from the student fraternity in the wake of the NEET exam fiasco, the government has set its eyes on leak-proof testing system and stricter penalties
The Narendra Modi government initiated a major overhauling of the examination system on Friday (July 24) with the National Testing Agency sacking 47 officials. It was also set to take legal and criminal action against some, official sources said. The step came in the wake of the massive protests against paper-leak instances across the country.
"The NTA is set to undergo an overhaul and more reformative actions will follow. At least 47 officials have been terminated, and legal and criminal action will be initiated against some of them," a senior official said.
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The NTA was set up in 2017 as an autonomous, self-sustained body to carry out entrance exams for higher education admissions and fellowships.
Earlier, reports citing informed sources said that the Centre was preparing a major overhaul of the NTA, with speculations that nearly 50 members of the agency would be terminated doing the rounds.
The move comes a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was removed from the Panchayati Raj Ministry.
One of the key moves in overhauling the NTA would be to revamp the testing agency’s outsourcing methods to ensure a leak-proof system, according to sources that spoke hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced steps like fast-track courts for paper leak cases late on Thursday (July 23) night.
What is NTA
♦ The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body that conducts entrance exams for admission and fellowships in higher education institutions.
♦ It was formed in November 2017
♦ Assessing candidates against international standards has long been challenging in efficiency, transparency and error-free delivery. The NTA was set up to address these issues
♦ Some of the top exams that the NTA conducts includes JEE Main, NEET-UG, and CUET
♦ It operates under the higher education department in the Ministry of Education
A committee of experts will recommend changes to make the NTA more efficient, the sources added. The agency conducts at least 20 national-level exams, including JEE, NEET and CUET.
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The revamp is part of a broader push to stop paper leaks, following mass protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that drew support nationwide.
Cabinet approves draft bill for stricter punishment
Chaired by Modi, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft bill to ensure stricter punishments for paper leaks, including rigorous jail terms and fines, hours after the PM made an announcement in this effect, official sources said.
The amendment targets organised gangs and institutions enabling exam malpractice for money, strengthening existing laws covering UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE and CUET, while also safeguarding candidates from being penalised under its provisions.
Also read: Has CJP protest revealed a chink in BJP’s armour? | Talking Sense With Srini
The CJP, which held talks with two Union ministers on Friday (July 24), has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for exam irregularities, reforms in the education system and Rs 1 crore compensation to families of those students who committed suicide after the NEET-UG paper leak fiasco in May.
The reforms will follow recommendations from an expert committee tasked with improving India's exam system. The sources said the government plans structural and technological changes to build a leak-proof ecosystem while boosting transparency and accountability, NDTV reported.
(With agency inputs)