High-Level Panel to Ensure Transparent, Smooth Conduct of Exams Amid NEET, UGC-NET Row

NEET paper leak: A high-level committee of experts headed by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, former Indian Space Researchi Organisation (ISRO) chairperson and the chairman of board of governors, IIT Kanpur will ensure transparent smooth and fair conduct of examinations amid the NEET and UGC-NET row, said the Ministry of Education on Saturday. 

The members heading the committe include Dr.Randeep Guleria, former director of All India Institue of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Central University of Hyderabad vice chancellor Prof BJ Rao, Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Pankaj Bansal, co-Founder, People Strong and Board Member- Karmayogi Bharat and Prof Aditya Mittal, Dean Student Affairs at IIT Delhi. Govind Jaiswal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Education, will be the member secretary.

What will the expert committee do? 

According to education department, the expert panel will make recommendations on reforms in mechanism of examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure and functionning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). 

Furthermore the high-level panel will analyse the end-to-end examination process and further suggest measures to improve the effiiency of the system. 

The panel will also carry out a thorough review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Natioal Testing Agency (NTA) and suggest measures to strengthen them. 

The members heading the committe will be monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance at every level. 

As per the education ministry, the panel will suggest measures for improvement in data security protocols, evaluate the existing data security process and protocols of the NTA and recommend measures for its improvement.

The panel has also been tasked with making recommendations on the organisational structure and functioning of the NTA and clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of functionaries at every level.

“The Committee shall submit its report to the Ministry within two months from the date of issue of this order,” the education ministry statement added.