Misconduct by HSLC/AHM students during examinations may invite rustication

Bandobast for HSLC/AHM exams

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: HSLC (High School Leaving Certificate)/AHM (Assam High Madrassa) candidates adopting misconduct during examinations may end up getting rusticated up to three years.

Rustication of students for misconduct is part of the SEBA’s (Board of Secondary Education, Assam) bandobast for fair examinations this year. The HSLC/AHM examinations are going to start from February 10 and conclude on February 29. The new HSLC/AHM examination bandobast has many strictures and rules like installation of CCTVs in examination centres, the promulgation of 144 CrPC within certain areas around examination centres, students signing while unsealing sealed packets of question papers and the like that are hitherto not followed in the State.

Talking to The Sentinel on the new bandobast for HSLC/AHM examinations, SEBA Chairman RC Jain said, “Now on students found browbeating invigilators or any other form of misconduct during examinations will cost dearly. We’re going to form a committee to see all such matters. The committee will decide the punitive measures, including rustication. The rustication period may be one to three years, based on the enormity of the offence on the part of a student.”

On measures being taken to plug the leakage of question papers, Jain said, “The sealed packets of question papers, each packet containing ten question papers, will have to be opened in examination halls in front of the students. An invigilator and at least two students will have to sign in the relevant spaces in the register certifying that the sealed packets and the question papers are found ok.

“From our end we’re taking all measures to ensure fair examinations. We’ve directed school authorities to install CCTV cameras in all examination centres. We’re going to deploy an official as CCTV operator in examination centre to see if the CCTV cameras function properly. The operators will keep reporting the SEBA online on the functioning of the CCTVs. Security personnel will be deployed around the examination centres.”

There are altogether 860 HSLC/AHM examination centres in the State around which 144 CrPF will be promulgated, not allowing anybody other than students to move around.

Jain further said, “Sealed question papers have already been sent to the respective police stations. A police official has been deputed as the supervising officer in each police station to see if the sealed packets of question papers have any damage in them. If there is damage in the packets, he/she will have to report it to the SEBA. The supervising police official will provide escorts for taking the sealed question papers to the examination centres safe.”

On the storage of answer scripts till they are sent to the SEBA, Jain said, “The place (room) to be used as strong room for keeping answer scripts will be guarded by three armed police personnel.”

Also Read: SEBA announces HSLC examination date in Assam from February 10 to 29, 2020

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