Coming on the heels of the Union Cabinet's approval of a proposed Bill to deal with exam malpractices, the Union Ministry of Education is likely to soon make a major announcement regarding significant reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Sources privy to the matter said that around 47 officials associated with the NTA are expected to be removed and action may also be initiated against some of them, as part of a complete structural overhaul of the testing agency. The NTA revamp is part of a wider review of processes to contain paper leaks, especially after the massive students' agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
According to sources, the announcement is expected to focus on measures to improve the functioning of the NTA. The agency has been under intense scrutiny following allegations of the NEET paper leak and growing demands for examination reforms.
One of the key changes expected to be introduced include tweaking of the NTA's outsourcing methods in order to ensure a leak-proof system, sources said a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced major steps such as fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice in paper leak cases.
A committee of experts will suggest the changes to refresh the NTA as a more efficient organisation, sources said. The NTA conducts at least 20 national-level examinations, including JEE, NEET and CUET. Sources also said that the restructuring of the NTA is expected to be completed within the next month.
Earlier on Friday, the Union Cabinet approved a Bill and related provisions aimed at setting up fast-track courts and giving harsher punishment in cases of paper leaks and exam malpractices, official sources said. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week, sources added.
The development comes close to Prime Minister Modi’s announcement on Thursday that a Bill containing provisions for strong action will be introduced in Parliament. As suggested in the Bill, the proposed fast-track courts will be mandated to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months, sources said.
Earlier in a video message, the Prime Minister said that the Central government has prepared a comprehensive draft Bill to introduce stricter provisions and stringent punishments in paper leak cases.
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