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Journalism of Courage
A day after the Ministry of Education ordered the cancellation of the UGC-NET following inputs that the exam’s “integrity may have been compromised,” and handed over the matter to the CBI for investigation, Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, today said the ministry got inputs from 14C. “Prima facie we felt the exam had been compromised. The inputs were received by UGC from I4C. These inputs were of a technical nature. In the interest of students we have decided to cancel the exam.”
He further added that the CBI will investigate the matter. “I4C works differently on digital platforms… we had some indication.. at this level if we disclose any details it will compromise investigation,” said he adding that nobody has complained about UGC NET and I4C had itself taken action.
“I want to reiterate the ministry is committed to ensuring student interest. It will not hesitate to act against anyone found to be involved in anything wrong,” Jaiswal said.
The official said that the Centre cannot arrive at any conclusion and that “we have to examine the evidence. There are many people involved. We are taking prompt action so that no students’ future is compromised,” he said adding that since UGC NET is held in 83 subjects, it’s a complex process.
“NTA is a new agency. Please remember that. It conducts exams for over 1 crore candidates every year. We keep improving exams based on feedback,” said Jaisawal.
We cannot react to every input and every allegation. We are ensuring our reaction is in sync with the gravity of the input and the authenticity of the source.
Over 9 lakh candidates appeared for it across 317 cities on June 18. The exam conducting body NTA is already under fire due to alleged NEET UG irregularities. The UGC NET exam cancellation has further brought them under scanner. The Opposition has been demanding the resignation of the Education Minister Dharmesh Pradhan and the NTA top officials.
The ministry’s late Wednesday evening decision came as a surprise to senior officials of the National Testing Agency. Meanwhile, Congress and other parties have intensified their attack on the Center. Kerala CM Vijayan, citing the controversy over the NEET exam, said “such a situation leaves students in limbo and wastes public money.”
