Three-tier squad to oversee Matric exams

In order to curb cheating in examinations, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), which conducts High School Certificate (Matriculation) Examinations, has decided to form a three-tier squad to keep strict vigil on this year’s examinations that are beginning from next week.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, BSE President Dr Jahanara Begum said different squads would be formed at district, circle and zonal levels by the State Government and the BSE. She said even district Collectors and SPs can also make surprise visits to the examination centres.

 She said all preparations are over for the fortnight-long Matric and Madhyama (Sanskrit) examinations to begin on February 23 and continue till March 8. She said police in each district would provide security at the examination centres and nodal offices.

Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi in Bhubaneswar took a meeting of all district Collectors and SPs through videoconferencing in this connection. He directed the district officials to ensure that the examinations are held smoothly and fairly.

Around 6.10 lakh students are expected to write the examinations this year at about 3,000 examination centres spread across the State. Although mass copying and other means of cheating in the examinations are under control in the State, the BSE has identified some centres as “sensitive”.