The issue around the alleged English question leak in the ongoing HSSLC Examination conducted by NBSE is one of great concern. A number of students did not seem to be convinced by the statement given by the board denying leakage of the paper, and launched a petition demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. At this juncture, a statement from the board is felt to be long due. Distancing itself from the issue could risk loss of integrity in the evaluation system of the state and thereby directly impact our children’s education and future.
When local media reported on some students claiming that the questions were circulated via WhatsApp ahead of the scheduled time, NBSE hastily dismissed the claim as fake news within hours after the examination. This gives room for doubt as to whether careful analysis of the claim had preceded the statement or the matter was not given its due attention. It is as clear as day for anyone who has an idea about the subject that examination questions for the subject can never be predicted with such level of accuracy as the petitioners have stated. Therefore, establishing credibility of a claim as this should not be difficult.
Last year NBSE filed FIR against the alleged paper leak of class IX Science. In the present issue, however, the board has refrained from taking such a step. A claim with regard to the present case is that the alleged leaked questions were in the form of suggestions and not in question paper format. It is common knowledge that examinations are about tasks and questions testing students’ knowledge and abilities. The other aspects such as print standard or specifications by themselves are incapable of holding any assessment. So then when questions are leaked (in whatever form), an examination fails to meet its objective. Such a logical basis in the current issue unquestionably earns credibility to the students’ claim.
The authority’s silence and inaction may be interpreted in different ways – indifference, scepticism, inefficiency or feigned ignorance. Whichever way it is seen, the handling of the issue amounts to manipulative tactics of a decision making authority which has the power and responsibility to conduct an examination yet is not competent enough to see to its fair completion. The inability of the board to give a proper statement on the issue is detrimental to the growth and interests of all stakeholders from students, the parents and guardians supporting their education to the entire society. This time around, it is these students who are most heavily impacted. Tomorrow it could be the upcoming batches whose welfare and security could be in peril.
Unethical practices as has been alleged bring short and long term impact on the whole society, the severe consequences being the integrity of examinations being compromised and the opportunities of deserving students taken away. If the current issue was proved to be factual, what leniency could one have whether it is English or Chemistry or any other paper? Could it matter that the questions were or were not widely circulated? The level of difficulty of a subject or the number of people who could have accessed the questions are irrelevant. When so much is at stake, an institution of repute as the state board unfortunately looks on as a bystander when any right thinking person would push for inquiry in upholding the sanctity of examinations. It will be a very sorry state of affairs if some organisations are awaited to raise a question or two on the evaluation system and only then the authority will jump to its feet.
Initiating the proper course of action could have been the least expensive. It would ease the tension if the petitioners are made to realise that inspite of all challenges and unforseen problems in the system, the authority is committed to resolving issues as per protocol. On the other hand, a probe by the proper agency would definitely serve as a lesson and reminder to all who are associated with conduct of examinations for all times to come. No matter how tedious or unpleasant the procedure may be, there is no way other than being realistic and practical. Neglect of the issue will cause the ill to continue. A student who uses unfair means in an examination is expelled and his or her details given out in the result gazette. It is ironical that malpractices used by educators or administrators should slide. No ‘body’ is standing up against the unfairness. The students’ bodies that supposedly stand for students’ welfare and interests are silent too.
This group of young people are a receptive lot, stepping into their new adult world scrutinizing everything around them, the good and the bad. What a loss for our society if they were to lose faith in a system they had trusted their whole schooling life! It will be painful for parents and teachers to see their children exit school carrying the destructive load of negativity. A little empathy at the right time could possibly have done some damage control.
In our context today, education is a hope we cannot afford to lose. When almost everything else around us have turned awry and we don’t have much to hold on to, we still have the classrooms teaching valuable lessons and values to our children. Somehow these places have been able to retain their significance in the minds of young people. We cannot let go of this that has promises of a better future for our people.
The aggrieved students are looking upon the higher authority for resolution and voicing out their concerns. Sadly enough, all falling on deaf ears. The voices we hear today may die down. And if our children were to go on in life as victims of injustice, one cannot but hope fervently that they become advocates for justice and not indifferent people or adults who keep alive the current formula being the next generation workforce.
At this juncture, it is only imperative that the authority or decision making body in its wisdom swiftly act to protect what is already very fragile.
Concerned parent
