Task force highlights ongoing exam violations, calls for plan to improve system.

A committee of members of parliament expressed their concerns about the ongoing issue of examination irregularities, despite efforts made by the government to address it. They recommended that the Ministry of Education create a time-bound plan to implement reforms proposed by a high-level panel. This recommendation was presented to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, C P Radhakrishnan, by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, led by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh.

The committee also supported the statement made by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on June 16, 2024, that there is a need for improvement in the National Testing Agency (NTA). They urged the NTA to speed up the implementation of recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee. Additionally, they recommended that the NTA and the Department of Education consult with all stakeholders to establish a protocol for the efficient administration of nationwide competitive exams.

Despite the steps taken by the ministry, including the formation of a high-powered steering committee headed by K Radhakrishnan, irregularities in exams are still occurring and causing distress among students. The committee also suggested that the department publish a timeline for implementing the recommendations of the high-level committee of experts. The High-Level Committee of Experts (HLCE) was established by the Ministry of Education, with former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan as its chair, to implement reforms in national competitive exams conducted by the NTA.

The parliamentary panel noted that certain firms involved in the exam process have been blacklisted by one organization or state government but can still secure contracts from other states or organizations. To address this issue, the committee recommended that the department create a nationwide list of blacklisted firms. In response to the recommendations, the higher education department clarified that the core activities of the NTA, such as paper setting and correction, are not outsourced.

They also stated that the NTA maintains records of penalized vendors and does not engage with blacklisted firms. The committee also addressed the financial aspect of the NTA, suggesting that their surplus funds be used to strengthen their capabilities or regulate and monitor their vendors. The higher education department responded by stating that the NTA is a self-sustained organization that does not receive government funding.

They explained that the surplus funds are used for preparatory activities for the next financial year and any remaining surplus can be utilized appropriately. This information was shared in response to the committee's recommendation to use the surplus for the agency's capabilities or regulatory measures. In conclusion, the committee emphasized the importance of addressing exam irregularities and ensuring a fair and efficient exam process for students.

They hope that their recommendations will be taken into consideration by the Ministry of Education and the NTA to improve the overall system. This report was originally published by Orissa POST, a leading English daily in Odisha.