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Nilekani Task Force Holds 58 Meetings on Exam Reforms
A government task force is looking at ways to make exams safer and more reliable.
It has held about 18 formal meetings and more than 40 other consultations.
People and organizations have sent it over 50,000 suggestions.
Some groups want the National Testing Agency to have more permanent technical and security staff.
They have also suggested using different organizations for different parts of an exam.
Officials say secure computer-based testing centres will be important as exams move away from paper.
The task force has spoken with government departments, exam bodies, technology providers and other experts.
It told the Supreme Court it is on track to finish its work on time.
The six-member High Powered Task Force has held about 18 panel meetings and more than 40 consultations since its formation on July 26.
The task force has received over 50,000 suggestions from the public, institutions and experts, officials said.
The United Doctors Front proposed making 75% of National Testing Agency technical and security posts permanent and restructuring the agency through an Act of Parliament.
Stakeholders have proposed dividing exam work among multiple agencies, while officials say dedicated, secure computer-based testing centres are also needed.
The government told the Supreme Court the task force is on track to submit its report within the prescribed timeframe; an official said it was due by the end of the month.
- Who
- The Nandan Nilekani-led six-member High Powered Task Force on examination reforms.
- What
- The task force is consulting stakeholders and reviewing suggestions for exam reforms.
- Where
- India.
- When
- Formed on July 26; the Supreme Court sought a progress affidavit on September 18.
- Why
- To develop examination reforms following student protests and concerns about exam administration.
Key facts
- Task force leader
- Nandan Nilekani
- Task force size
- Six members
- Panel meetings
- About 18
- Consultative meetings
- More than 40
- Suggestions received
- Over 50,000
- Report timing
- An official said the report was due by the end of the month.
- Proposed NTA staffing target
- The United Doctors Front proposed filling 75% of technical and security posts with permanent statutory cadre within three years.
Quotes
A government official
Official discussing stakeholder proposals to separate examination functions
“They have pointed out that at present the examination is mainly conducted by a single service provider. They have also said that if it is changed, various procedures such as question paper setting, security, test centres etc will be handled by different agencies and that will bring in transparency.”
indianexpress.com
“The report will be submitted by the end of this month.”
indianexpress.com
Polamuri Bala Kiran
Joint Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training
“Since its constitution, the Task Force has held about 18 meetings to deliberate on various provisions and aspects of examination reforms.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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