In a major crackdown in the NEET paper leak controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) terminated 47 officials and is set to pursue legal and criminal action against some, officials said on Friday, reported the PTI.
The move comes a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was shunted out to the Panchayati Raj Ministry.
“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, the news agency reported.
Outrage surrounding paper leaks and the CBSE digital evaluation glitches has triggered a series of shunting of top officials.
Students” anger has spilt out in the form of a huge protest that is taking place at Jantar Mantar.
Expert panel to suggest changes
The restructuring plan is part of a wider review of the agency’s processes to prevent paper leaks and address concerns raised by students and stakeholders.
One of the major changes likely to be introduced involves reviewing the agency’s outsourcing system, with the aim of creating a more secure and leak-proof examination process.
According to sources, a committee of experts will recommend reforms to transform the NTA into a more efficient and reliable organisation, reported the IANS.
The restructuring process is expected to be completed within a month.
The NTA currently conducts several major national-level examinations, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
The proposed NTA reforms come shortly after the Centre announced plans for stricter action against examination malpractices.
The Union Cabinet has approved a Bill aimed at strengthening laws related to paper leaks and cheating in competitive examinations. The proposed legislation includes provisions for fast-track courts to ensure quicker trials in such cases, according to the IANS.
The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon.
Fast-Track Courts Proposed for Exam Fraud Cases
The proposed legislation includes provisions requiring fast-track courts to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months in paper leak-related cases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that the government was preparing a comprehensive law with strict punishments for those involved in examination fraud.
(with IANS and PTI inputs)
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