Mid-Day Opinion: Changes must be systemic, not just on paper

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Going beyond the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the triumph of Gen Z and the huge setback from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP it is time to get to the crux of the matter, which is exam paper leaks. This edit is about exams in general. For years now, exam paper leaks have been a huge blot on a system which needs a major reform.

Question papers have found their way into the hands of a select few. One paper, one mark decides the life of a student. The advent of the digital age means leaks have become somewhat ‘easier' as they are happening online. Faculty, certainly not all of them though, has been involved in some paper leaks themselves, so faith has eroded very quickly.

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft bill to ensure stricter punishments for paper leaks, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement. News agencies report that The Bill outlines 15 illegal acts including leaking question papers, creating fake websites and issuing fake admit cards. The clean up needs a huge effort because cheating, whether it happens at school/college/entrance level exam is so ingrained here, needs a multi-pronged, e effort to root out.

Then, there is the huge rush for coaching classes, the admission corruption where admissions are bought from as young as nursery. Examination marking errors, teachers doing outside duties (like the SIR survey) taking away from their time in academia, the rot is stifling the education system. A complete overhaul should begin from here.