Cheating in exams tests govts resolve says all measures to curb it have proved futile…Shubhangi Khapre
The image of the bespectacled teacher whipping a student on the knuckles for cheating in examination is now history. Today, the issue of students cheating has become a law and order problem. Cheating, which was primarily an issue debated within school and college campuses, has now taken the centre stage in state legislature assembly.
Minister of state for education Hassan Mushriff expressed concern over the development. We have tried various methods like multiple question sets and security outside the examination centres in vain, he said. The state was also thinking of roping in district collectors to take charge of examination centres.
He said, External checks to curb cheating cannot be the final solution. We have to create awareness to change the mindset of parents and students. The state would have to evolve a strategy to curb violence at examination centres by deploying additional police force, he added.
Devendra Phadnavis, MLA (BJP), said, There are some centres in Vidarabha that promise students higher marks on a payment as high as Rs1 lakh. These centres are dotted along Nagpur, Amravati and Buldhana. He said, Rampant cheating during board and university examinations is increasing because the governments vigilance squad is non-functional. Why cant we conduct surprise vigilance and take stern action against these centres?
MLAs from all parties said in some districts, often the students kin overpowered security and openly provided cheating material to students. Former finance minister Eknath Khadse said in Jalgaon, students beat up the policemen at the examination centres. The college authorities were too stunned to take action against them.
Home minister RR Patil said, Police force outside sensitive examination centres can be beefed up. Action such as confining students in prison is also being discussed.
Minister of state for medical education said, The governments role in the matter is limited. Students and parents should realise that cheating will not help them in long run.