Question paper leak: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma owns responsibility

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has owned the responsibility for the leak of HSLC (High School Leaving Certificate) examinations, 2023.

The general science examination scheduled for last Monday had to be cancelled due to the leak of the question paper. The SEBA (Board of Secondary Education, Assam) had to cancel the general science examination at midnight on Sunday (March 12).

After the leak of the question paper, the Chief Minister broke his silence on the issue on the floor of the State Assembly today, and said, "The HSLC general science question paper leak pushed the students and the people of the state towards anxiety. As the Chief Minister, I would like to say solemnly that the question should have leaked. The leak of the question paper indicates a failure on our part somewhere. I own the responsibility for this failure as the Chief Minister of the state. I will suggest to the SEBA not to allow leaks of question papers in the future. HSLC examinees should face the remaining examinations with fresh vigour. We will shoulder the responsibility for their future. The police are investigating the incident meticulously. The examination centre in-charge of a school and three or four teachers are involved in the episode. The police could track the network within 48 hours of the incident. I kept silent on the issue in the interest of the investigation. The police have already collected proofs and witnesses. After the arrest of the specific teacher, the people will get a detailed account of the incident. When teachers get involved in such activities, the role of SEBA and ministers becomes secondary. It is because we repose faith in teachers. We will make the teacher involved in the leak of the question paper face legal procedures in addition to exemplary punishment. The police arrested one and will arrest three or more soon. They cannot skip, as electronic evidence, including Google Pay transactions, etc., stands against them. I warn them sternly to surrender before the police."

On SEBA, he said, "The investigation so far has not indicated any involvement of the Board in the question paper leak. SEBA is an organization, and so far the investigators have not found any Guwahati link with the leak. The question papers went to four districts from a specific location. The people will know the men after their arrest."

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said, "The SEBA needs reforms."

The Chief Minister said, "It is not the SEBA, but people need reforms. When teachers and the centre in-charge can do such things, question papers will certainly leak. After the arrest of the kingpin, we will know if he did leak question papers in the past also. If he has any higher-ups in the network, we will come to know that after his interrogation. Let the public wait for a while. The police will let them know everything."

Congress legislator Bharat Chandra Narah also expressed concern over the incident.

Also Read:  HSLC Science Question Paper Sold for Upto Rs 3000: Assam DGP

Also Watch: