News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd June 2024
Authorities in Maharashtra have intensified investigations into the NEET paper leak case, detaining two teachers, Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umarkhan Pathan, for questioning. The Nanded Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended them on suspicion of their involvement in leaking the medical entrance exam’s question papers. Both teachers, associated with Zilla Parishad schools and private coaching centers in Latur, were later released after extensive interrogation, with the possibility of further questioning in the future.
This development comes amidst a nationwide uproar over alleged malpractices in major examinations like NEET and UGC-NET. The CBI has taken charge of investigating the NEET paper leak following assurances from the government to safeguard student interests. Simultaneously, irregularities in UGC-NET, including the sale of leaked papers on the dark web, are also under scrutiny.
Earlier in Bihar, police arrested four individuals who confessed to leaking NEET UG papers just hours before the exam. Authorities are now probing the operations of ‘solver gangs’ involved in distributing leaked papers and providing proxy candidates for exams.
In response to these incidents, the government has taken decisive steps, including replacing the head of the testing body and establishing a high-level committee to investigate exam irregularities. A new law has been enacted to combat paper leaks and other malpractices effectively.
The NEET UG exam, taken by nearly 24 lakh students on May 5, faced controversy upon the release of results on June 4, with allegations of paper leaks and unauthorized grace marks for over 1,500 students. This sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, culminating in a CBI probe.
Today, more than 1,500 candidates will undergo a NEET re-test at seven centers after the exam body withdrew the earlier awarded grace marks to address lost time issues during the original exam. Officials will supervise the re-tests to ensure fairness and transparency.
Additionally, the NEET PG exam scheduled for today has been postponed by the Health Ministry, with a rescheduled date to be announced soon. Similarly, UGC-NET, which was conducted recently, was canceled abruptly following emerging irregularities.
These developments underscore the challenges facing India’s examination system and highlight the urgent need for stringent measures to maintain the integrity of competitive exams. As investigations continue and reforms are implemented, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and equitable academic environment for all aspirants across the country.
