No more SSLC, PU question paper leaks: Minister Sait

Bangaluru, Feb 14,2017:Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait said that there will be no question paper leaks or any malpractice during the coming SSLC and PU examinatioins. He made this statement in the Legislative Assembly when the Karnataka Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was taken up for consideration on Monday. The Bill has made certain changes in the Education Act to ensure stringent action against those involved in exam-related malpractices. The Bill was passed in the House after much debate. The minister said certain measures have been taken to ensure that question papers are not leaked like they were in the previous years. “I assure students and parents that there would be no irregularities during the forthcoming examinations. However, I can’t divulge all security details at this juncture,” he added. However, a section of the BJP and JD(S) members felt the Bill was not well thought out since it focuses on punishing people after the leakage rather than preventing it. Sait admitted that some institutions and coaching centres are also involved. A stringent law is required to deter people from indulging in irregularities. “Even treasuries are part of the government. Certain steps like installing cameras in treasuries and biometric system for treasuries have been initiated. A day may come when questions papers are directly transmitted to examination halls,” he added. The Bill has made provisions to make exam-related malpractices criminal acts attracting imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of Rs 5 lakh or both.