The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has issued comprehensive and stringent directives to ensure robust security and safety protocols are in place at all examination centers across the state. This comes ahead of the crucial Classes 10 and 12 board examinations, which are scheduled to commence on February 26, 2024.
Enhanced CCTV Surveillance Mandated
In a significant move to uphold the integrity of the examination process, the board has mandated that all schools designated as exam centers must ensure their CCTV surveillance systems are fully functional and compliant with registration norms. The cameras must be strategically positioned to provide comprehensive coverage of the entire examination block, capturing clear and unambiguous footage.
Specific Camera and Recording Requirements
Each camera-facing wall is required to display the SSC or HSC exam block number clearly, along with a standard-time clock that must be visible within the camera footage. This measure is designed to provide precise temporal and locational context for all recorded activities, enhancing accountability.
The board has specified that continuous video recording must be initiated 15 minutes before the examination begins and continue until 15 minutes after its conclusion. Separate recording files must be meticulously maintained for critical areas, including the main entry gate of the exam center and the strong room where question papers are stored. Center superintendents have been instructed to address any suspicious movements observed during the exams immediately.
Dedicated Staff and Submission Protocols
To facilitate seamless monitoring, each center superintendent must appoint a computer-literate staff member exclusively to manage all CCTV-related operations throughout the examination period. Furthermore, daily video recordings must be compiled in DVD format, creating two copies: one to be submitted directly to the GSHSEB and the other to the respective District Education Officer (DEO).
Fire Safety Compliance Emphasized
In addition to the enhanced surveillance measures, the board has made fire safety compliance mandatory for all examination centers. Each center must prominently display valid and updated fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) details at the main entrance of the building. This directive aims to ensure the physical safety of all students and staff during the examination period.
Examination Schedule and Applicability
According to official information, the SSC (Class 10) and HSC (Class 12) board examinations will be conducted from February 26 to March 18, 2024. The issued instructions are not limited to regular students; they also apply comprehensively to repeater, private, and separate examinations scheduled throughout February and March.
The GSHSEB has emphasized that the strict and thorough implementation of these surveillance and safety measures is paramount. These steps are deemed essential to prevent examination malpractices and to guarantee a fair, transparent, and secure examination process for all students across the state of Gujarat.
