Priyanshu
The Supreme Court on Friday (August 2) has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to implement measures ensuring the integrity and transparency of the NEET-UG examination. The court’s directive comes amidst concerns over paper leaks and other irregularities that have plagued the national-level exam.
The Key Points from the Supreme Court’s Directive are as follows:
- Avoidance of Flip-Flops: The Supreme Court emphasized the need for the NTA to avoid inconsistencies in the conduct of the NEET-UG exam. Such actions, the court noted, are detrimental to the interests of students.
- Detailed Judgment: The judgment, dated July 23, 2024, declined to order a re-test despite acknowledging the issues of paper leakage. The court stated that there was no systemic breach warranting the cancellation of the exam but highlighted serious concerns regarding the NTA’s organization of the exam.
- Expert Committee’s Role Expanded: The court expanded the scope of the K Radhakrishnan expert committee, initially set up by the Union government to investigate the NEET-UG paper leak. The committee is now tasked with encompassing seven steps to ensure a robust exam process, including:
– Evaluation of exam center allocation processes
– Comprehensive CCTV monitoring at all centers
– Enhanced protocols for paper printing, transportation, and storage
– Implementation of robust identity checks and technological innovations to prevent impersonation
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The court directed the NTA to develop SOPs for various stages of the examination process, from question paper creation to storage. This includes rigorous identity checks and technological measures to prevent impersonation, and adhering to privacy laws.
- Robust Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The judgment stressed the need for a robust grievance redressal mechanism to address issues promptly and efficiently.
The Supreme Court’s directive concluded that the NTA marks a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity of national-level exams like NEET-UG. By implementing stringent measures and expanding the role of expert committees, the court aims to create a robust and transparent examination process that upholds the interests of millions of aspiring students across the country.
This ruling highlights the importance of meticulous planning and the implementation of comprehensive security measures to prevent malpractices and uphold the sanctity of competitive exams.
Name of the case- Vanshika Yadav v. Union of India
Case Number- W.P.(C) No. 335/2024
Bench- Hon’ble The Chief Justice, Justices J.B. Pardiwala, Manoj Misra