‘Take strict steps to curb question paper leak’

EXAM A MONTH AWAY Activists want board to be extra vigilant so that last year’s incident is not repeated; officials say flying squad will inspect examination venues

› We are in the process of preparing an action plan for the board exams. We have asked schools to avoid using phones or cameras on campus . Senior experienced teachers will be given board-related tasks. SANDEEP SANGVE, joint secretary, Mumbai division, MSBSHSE

THANE: A year after SSC question paper leak case, in which teachers and coaching institutes were involved, activists and educational organisations want strict guidelines to curb such misdoings.

They have demanded Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) Mumbai division at Vashi to issue strict guidelines to schools on handling question papers.

The activists have alleged that the board does not have an action plan to prevent paper leak although the examinations are a month away.

In 2019, Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination papers were leaked in Bhiwandi by teachers and coaching institutes. Samvad Foundation, the whistle-blower, has written to the board asking for an action plan so that there is no repeat of the incident.

Govind Sharma, president, Samvad Foundation, said, “Last year, the board did not conduct a re-examination even after the paper leak. This is not fair to students who have worked hard for the exams. Moreover, till now they have not revealed any

action plan to prevent such incidents. We have drafted a letter to the board asking its plan to curb paper leak, selling of question paper and malpractice during exam.”

Activists said there should be some directives from the board on inclusion of teachers connected to coaching classes in transferring, distribution and handling the question papers.

S Mulani, an education activist from Mumbra, said, “Strict measures should be taken to ensure that those working in coaching classes should not be appointed as invigilators or be involved in any board-related work.”

“It is the duty of the school to ensure that mobile phones are not used by teachers while handling question papers. The board should also take action against schools which violating the rules. The flying squad should also be vigilant about parents waiting outside exam halls and the staff within the school,” said Mulani.

Teachers and parents hope the board will introduce new rules or regulations before the board exams.

Kiran Sonawane, chairman of Bhiwandi Vidyarthi Sangh, said, “It is unfair on students if question paper leaks. There is no point in conducting exams if question papers continue to leak.”