Massive Exam Malpractice Leads to Suspension of 18 Education Staff in Maharashtra
The education department of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar zilla parishad has taken stringent action against examination malpractices by suspending eighteen employees on Monday. This decisive move comes in direct response to a mass copying incident that occurred on the very first day of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination at a designated center in Kannad.
CCTV Evidence and Official Reports Confirm Violations
Education officer (secondary) Ashwini Lathkar stated that the suspensions were based on concrete evidence. "Based on CCTV footage as well as official reports, it is clear that some teachers and other staffers on duty at the examination centre concerned violated the rules," Lathkar explained. The suspended employees are all affiliated with Rashtriya Madhyamik Vidyalaya in Kannad.
The malpractices were first observed by a flying squad on February 10, which reported glaring irregularities. Investigations revealed that a section of the staff had colluded with candidates to facilitate cheating during the crucial board examinations.
Previous Actions and Escalated Legal Measures
This is not the first disciplinary action taken in this case. The education department had previously suspended three Zilla Parishad workers who were assigned examination duty at the same school in Kannad. The latest suspensions represent a significant escalation in the department's crackdown on examination fraud.
Beyond administrative suspensions, the education department has initiated criminal proceedings against the errant staffers. An offence has been registered under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board and Other Specified Examination Act, 1982. This legal framework allows for serious consequences for those found guilty of tampering with examination integrity.
Strict CCTV Monitoring Protocols Emphasized
The education department has reiterated mandatory protocols for CCTV surveillance at all examination centers across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. "It is essential to continuously record all the events that take place during the examination, and it will be the responsibility of the centre director to preserve the relevant footage safely. The relevant CCTV recording must be submitted to the education department without fail," Lathkar emphasized.
She issued a stern warning regarding any interference with surveillance systems: "If there is any tampering, alteration, or attempt to do anything inappropriate in the CCTV footage, strict action will be taken against the people involved as per the rules. If necessary, criminal action will also be taken."
The department has made it compulsory to maintain operational CCTV systems throughout examination periods, with center directors bearing direct responsibility for safeguarding and submitting all relevant footage to authorities.
