Anna University professors took bribes to increase marks during re-evaluation process: DVAC
The Tamil Nadu directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) in a probe, has found that thousands of Anna University engineering graduates bribed professors who re-evaluated their answer sheets.
According to the probe conducted by the DVAC, in April-May 2017 students paid Rs 10,000 as bribe for each re-evaluated paper. Re-evaluation requests were put forwards by 3,02,380 students of which 73,333 students passed and 16,636 students were able to secure higher marks post recheck. TOI had reported in May 2016 that 40% of the candidates who applied for re-evaluation since 2011 were able to secure more marks.
The accused, G V Uma, was in charge of exams and re-evaluation of papers for Anna University's 530 affiliated colleges. The university earned Rs 76 crore from 2011-2016 through re-evaluation.
According to reports, Uma along with nine professors, largely destroyed the answer sheets of students for whom they awarded increased marks during re-evaluation.
A student who wished to apply for re-evaluation had to pay Rs 700 of which Rs 300 were for the photocopy of the answer script. A subject expert then confirms whether there can be a change of marks in the script or not. This is where the controller of examination steps in. The re-evaluation centre and officials to ensure accuracy are decided by the controller.
At Anna university, the controller of examination colluded with the professors appointed to re-evaluate examination papers to increase marks of those students who had paid them.
The DVAC filed an FIR earlier this week naming former controller of examination G V Uma and nine professors, who allegedly rigged answer sheets for money. The accused have been booked for criminal conspiracy, public servant framing fake document, the disappearance of evidence, cheating, forgery, etc. along with the Prevention of Corruption Act. The FIR states Uma, along with assistant professors P Vijayakumar and R Sivakumar took money to manipulate answer scripts and increase marks.
The DVAC has seized the property documents of Uma, Vijaykumar and Sivakumar after raids at their residences.
According to the probe conducted by the DVAC, in April-May 2017 students paid Rs 10,000 as bribe for each re-evaluated paper. Re-evaluation requests were put forwards by 3,02,380 students of which 73,333 students passed and 16,636 students were able to secure higher marks post recheck. TOI had reported in May 2016 that 40% of the candidates who applied for re-evaluation since 2011 were able to secure more marks.
The accused, G V Uma, was in charge of exams and re-evaluation of papers for Anna University's 530 affiliated colleges. The university earned Rs 76 crore from 2011-2016 through re-evaluation.
According to reports, Uma along with nine professors, largely destroyed the answer sheets of students for whom they awarded increased marks during re-evaluation.
A student who wished to apply for re-evaluation had to pay Rs 700 of which Rs 300 were for the photocopy of the answer script. A subject expert then confirms whether there can be a change of marks in the script or not. This is where the controller of examination steps in. The re-evaluation centre and officials to ensure accuracy are decided by the controller.
At Anna university, the controller of examination colluded with the professors appointed to re-evaluate examination papers to increase marks of those students who had paid them.
The DVAC filed an FIR earlier this week naming former controller of examination G V Uma and nine professors, who allegedly rigged answer sheets for money. The accused have been booked for criminal conspiracy, public servant framing fake document, the disappearance of evidence, cheating, forgery, etc. along with the Prevention of Corruption Act. The FIR states Uma, along with assistant professors P Vijayakumar and R Sivakumar took money to manipulate answer scripts and increase marks.
The DVAC has seized the property documents of Uma, Vijaykumar and Sivakumar after raids at their residences.
Are you a Business Owner? Get Your Free Business Listing on Economic Times.
Register Now