‘We are doing our best but when everyone is crying wolf, it becomes difficult to catch the wolf’

NEWDELHI: As Secretary (school education), at the Human Resource Development ministry, Anil Swarup has been in the eye of the storm over the leaks of the Class XII economics and the Class X math question papers. In a wide ranging interview, he spoke about why the Class X math test was held despite enough indicators that the paper had leaked, the logic behind deciding to hold the retest for the math exam only in Delhi, Haryana and the National Capital Region, and that too only if it is considered necessary to do so, and security measures being put in place so that the episode is not repeated. It would have created confusion and hence a decision was taken not to call it off. In hindsight, it was a right decision because in that paper examination will not be held in other parts of the country. Imagine a scenario had we taken a decision to call it off; then everyone would have had to take that examination. lished, but whether it impacted the outcome or not is still being examined. There could be a possibility that we may not have an exam (for class 10). However, I cannot give a definitive answer. Now, someone will ask me why (will this happen, if at all, in) July, because people have their engagements, vacations, and that’s the feedback we have got. I got many messages saying that we have made plans etc. We are going to study and analyse the answer sheets to find out if there is a trend (of unnaturally high scores) and this process will take some time. which is why 15 days have been sought.

One of the positives is that we will get to know the shortcomings of the system and we can go indepth to know what processes going wrong.

One of the positives is that we will get to know the shortcomings of the system and it will enable us to go in-depth to know what are the processes going wrong. Secondly, how can we use technology to plug these loopholes? Just to illustrate the course of thinking – we can consider sending an encrypted CD to schools and give the decrypted code on the day of the exam and then they print the paper locally. We are trying to work towards that. But this is just an example and there could be many other similar ways we could use. In the physical process, tracking leakage becomes difficult. But if anyone messes with the computer or digital information, it gets recorded and we can get it tracked. But there would be some logistic issues that need to be addressed in advance - for example the centre should be equipped to print out those question papers in the time that is available. We have to look at improving the whole process. Without an enquiry, taking action demoralizes everyone. No one shall be spared. But to prematurely point a finger and say someone is responsible does not help . We are trying to set things right but it should not lead to a witch-hunt . There is a clamour for individuals. Yes, if someone is responsible, the person should be sacked and action should be taken against the person, once the enquiry is complete. But merely taking action against individuals doesn’t really help. What really helps our system is when things got sorted out when we use technology to bring in transparency. This is wrong information that is being circulated. There were three sets previously: one for Delhi, rest of the country and one for foreign countries. How would that help control leakage? If I were to send three sets of papers to the centre and one was to be picked at the last minute that could help plug the leakage. Earlier, the Delhi paper, in terms of competence level, was lower than that in the rest of India. Is that right?

It is incorrect to have different sets of papers for Delhi and the rest of the country and outside India. It is one board and we should have one paper. But this is a wake-up call for everyone. CBSE is setting up a help centre to interact with the students. I am personally responding to many who are approaching me. I understand their angst. If I were in their position I would also feel bad. I can only say we are trying out best but I sympathize with the children.