Even as the examination season is inching close with the BSE, CHSE and State universities at their last phase of preparation for hassle-free conduct of examinations, growth in malpractice continues to be a cause of concern.Every year many students are expelled from examinations for resorting to unfair practice. Similarly, many schools and colleges, under pressure to meet result target or otherwise, also abet unethical methods. In past, there have been numerous instances when the examination centres have been cancelled for mass cheating.
The centre scratch phenomenon is more common in the rural schools and colleges, while many self-financing colleges in the towns and cities have turned infamous for hi-tech methods of unethical practices.The schools and colleges in far-flung areas are soft target for malpractice not just by the examinees, but also by the authorities of the institutions and some venal staff members in the BSE, CHSE and universities who are given the charge of examination.
Given the remoteness of the location and less arrival of the squads, at times in a few schools and colleges mass cheating is allowed. The authorities of the institutions are found to be involved in the crime for pecuniary benefits. It also helps certain corrupt employees in the BSE, CHSE and universities make money from these institutions. They shield the institutions for all their illegal works.
It is also learnt that in lieu of money examination centres are fixed and squads are not sent at all; even when the squad members give adverse report, the centre is not scratched. The selection of squad members and invigilators for evaluating the answer sheets are also fixed for underhand deals and palm greasing. less experienced and persons with illegal motive are taken in the squad panels, while the experienced, honest and not-falling-in-line are ignored.
There have been allegations of squad members condoning illegal practices in examination centres for monetary and other gratifications, including sumptuous food. In certain cases also, the squad members threaten some examination centres to give money or else face dire consequences.In the last few years, there is little to dispute that the steps taken to contain malpractice have been exemplary. The BSE, CHSE and universities are experimenting with different methods to lessen fraud.
The BSE has turned to set questions, while the CHSE has come up with the examination hubs and CCTVs which have been quite effective to contain malpractice, but still much to be done, feel many intellectuals.
