In a significant ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of India expanded the role of the seven-member expert committee formed by the Union government. This committee was originally tasked with suggesting measures for the smooth and fair conduct of the NEET-UG exam by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The court has now asked the committee to also focus on improving examination security and administration.
Panel Led by Former ISRO Chairman
The expert panel, led by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, has been instructed to look into advanced data security protocols. The court emphasized the need for encryption and secure data transmission methods to protect examination materials from unauthorized access and potential leaks. The panel is expected to review and recommend updates to the NTA’s policies to ensure the agency can handle evolving challenges in examination security.
The Supreme Court also suggested that the panel should consider the possibility of international cooperation. This would involve NTA working with examination bodies and educational authorities from other countries to share best practices, security measures, and innovative solutions. The aim is to enhance the overall security and administration of examinations conducted by the NTA.
Given the expanded responsibilities, the Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the committee to submit its report. Initially set for August 22 by the Centre, the new deadline is now September 30.
The Union Ministry of Education is required to make a decision on the committee’s recommendations within one month of receiving the report. Following this, the Ministry must prepare and begin implementing a plan of action based on the recommendations. They are also required to report compliance with these directions within two weeks of making their decision.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court also addressed the issue of the commercialization of education and the intense competition among aspirants. This has led to a few towns becoming coaching hubs with higher success rates.
However, the court noted that instances of malpractice in these centers should be treated on par with any other instance of unfair means. The court stressed that all instances of unfair means must be dealt with firmly.
The court concluded that the formation of a committee is essential to thoroughly investigate and address structural issues within the examination system. This move aims to ensure that the NEET-UG exam is conducted smoothly, fairly, and securely, maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
The Supreme Court’s detailed ruling reflects its commitment to enhancing the security and fairness of the NEET-UG exam, benefiting millions of aspirants across the country.
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