National Desk, 24th June: A seven-member high-level committee, established to ensure transparency and scrutinize the National Testing Agency (NTA), is scheduled to convene on Monday, as reported by sources in the Ministry of Education. The committee was formed following recent criticisms and controversies surrounding the NTA, with a mandate to propose reforms in the examination process and enhance data security protocols, according to ANI.
The Ministry of Education announced the formation of the committee on Saturday. Led by former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, the committee is expected to deliver its findings within two months. “To ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on reform in the mechanism of examination process, improvement in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of National Testing Agency,” stated the ministry.
The NTA, which recently administered the NEET-UG exams, has been under intense scrutiny due to alleged irregularities. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 out of 720, raising concerns and triggering nationwide protests. Various political parties and protestors have called for the NTA’s dissolution.
In response to these allegations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a criminal case on Sunday and organized special teams to investigate. The CBI’s FIR noted “isolated incidents” of irregularities reported in several states during the NEET (UG) 2024 examination, conducted on May 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, the NTA has asserted that its website and all web portals are fully secure, labeling the security breach allegations as “wrong and misleading.” The agency remains under close examination as the high-level committee embarks on its review and the CBI investigation continues.
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