74 HSC examinees booked for malpractice

CUTTACK: Stringent security measures adopted by Board of Secondary Education (BSE) for ensuring free and fair examination seems to have failed its purpose with as many as 74 students booked for malpractice on the first day of the High School Certificate examination on Friday. Leakage of first language (MIL) question paper from an examination centre at Aul in Kendrapara district was also reported even as the examination was underway.

All the 74 students have been booked for malpractice after they were found to have resorted to unfair means during the examination, said Controller of Examinations Dr Nihar Ranjan Mohanty.Soon after the incidents were reported appropriate action was taken by the respective squads, he added.Last year, 94 students were booked for malpractice during MIL examination, according to reports.

To curb malpractice and ensure free, fair and transparent examination, this year the BSE had formed 125 special squads at three levels. For the first time, the BSE also included a Plus Two level lecturer in each two member squad, consisting of an officer above the rank of Section Officer.

School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra visited Utkal University High School, interacted with the Centre Superintendent and invigilators besides reviewing the preparation and progress of examination. The Minister has refuted allegations of any leakage of question papers.Meanwhile, BSE president Jahan Ara Begum said first day passed off smoothly and there is no report of any untoward situation at any examination centre.