Centre Launches Massive Overhaul of National Testing Agency; Legal, Criminal Action Likely Against Several Officials
New Delhi, July 24 :
In a significant move aimed at restoring the credibility of the country’s examination system, the Government of India has removed 47 officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA) as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the agency following the nationwide controversy over alleged examination paper leaks.
Sources told the Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that the action forms part of a wider reform initiative launched by the Centre to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in the functioning of the NTA. Besides the dismissal of officials, legal as well as criminal proceedings are expected to be initiated against several individuals allegedly linked to irregularities in the conduct of examinations.
The large-scale administrative action comes amid sustained public criticism and demands for accountability following the NEET paper leak controversy, which sparked widespread concern among students, parents and education stakeholders across the country.
Officials said the Centre is undertaking a complete overhaul of the examination agency, with additional corrective and structural reforms likely to be announced in the coming days to ensure fair and transparent conduct of competitive examinations.
Meanwhile, the political row over the issue continues, with the Congress party staging protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged lapses in the conduct of the NEET examination.
Earlier this week, on July 22, the Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha that the National Testing Agency is operating with only 24 permanent employees against a sanctioned strength of 39 posts. The Ministry further disclosed that the agency has been functioning with the support of 73 contractual employees and 124 outsourced personnel to manage its nationwide examination responsibilities.
The latest action is being viewed as one of the strongest administrative measures taken by the Centre to reinforce public confidence in the country’s examination system and ensure strict accountability within the National Testing Agency. (KNC)