After a major fiasco over second year pre-university course (plus 2) chemistry paper leak which had put lakhs of students in jeopardy, the Karnataka Government is introducing a law to declare question paper leak a criminal offence. According to Kimmane Ratnakara, the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, the Government would introduce a Bill to make this a criminal offence and question paper leak would attract seven years jail term. He said in Bengaluru on Tuesday that Government would introduce a Bill in the next Assembly session.
He said, “a Bill will be moved in the next legislative Assembly Session. Question paper leak will be considered as a criminal offence and a clause for issuing non-bailable warrant will also be included.”
According to the Minister, the law would include even those associated with the question paper leak. The State Government’s move comes in the wake of leakage of Pre-University Chemistry question paper twice in March which forced the authorities to postpone PU examination, which lead to widespread criticism from students, parents, Opposition parties and public at large.
Replying to a question, on the progress made in the PU chemistry question paper leak, he said CID is investigating and cannot take action against education institutions and students till the report is received. "We have not asked for interim report from CID. Departmental inquiry will also be held after PU II examination results were announced," he added.
lakhs of students and parents were put to hardship as the Chemistry II pre-university exam was beingIJIJ scheduled three times in Karnataka due to leakage of chemistry question paper. It was a huge embarrassment to ruling Government and the PU department has come under severe criticism after question paper leakages. The Criminal Investigation Department which is probing the case has arrested five persons in connection with the paper leak.
Meanwhile CID under its able SP Sonia Narang, has arrested the kingpin Shivakumaraiah Channappa, alias Swamy alias Guruji recently.