Significant Absenteeism Marks First Day of UP Board Examinations in Kanpur
The commencement of the Uttar Pradesh Board examinations in Kanpur on Wednesday was overshadowed by notable absenteeism, with a total of 4,611 students failing to appear for their high school and intermediate papers. In a parallel development, two key examination officials were also found absent from their assigned duties, leading to immediate administrative action.
Official Absences Trigger Strict Notices
The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Santosh Kumar Rai, confirmed that notices have been issued to an external centre administrator and a static magistrate who were absent. Explanations for their absence have been demanded within one day. Failure to comply will result in action under the stringent UP Public Examination (Redressal of Unfair Means) Act 2024, highlighting the board's zero-tolerance policy towards dereliction of duty during critical examination periods.
Detailed Breakdown of Student Attendance
The absenteeism was recorded across both shifts of the examinations:
- Morning Shift (High School): The Hindi and elementary Hindi exam saw 46,159 registered students. Of these, 43,667 appeared, while 2,492 were absent.
- Afternoon Shift (Intermediate): The Hindi and general Hindi paper had 45,103 registered candidates. Attendance stood at 42,984, with 2,119 students skipping the test.
The absent officials have been identified as Moni Devi, the external centre administrator from APB Balika Vidyalaya, and Krishna Kumar, the static magistrate from ITI Pandu Nagar.
Enhanced Surveillance and Supervision Measures
To ensure the integrity of the examinations, the UP Board has implemented robust monitoring systems across Kanpur district. Examinations are being conducted at 124 centres, all equipped with CCTV cameras for continuous surveillance. A comprehensive supervision framework is in place, involving:
- 9 zonal managers
- 16 sector officers
- 124 static magistrates
- Flying squads for random checks
Active supervision was notably observed at the GIC Chunniganj offline centre, underscoring the administration's commitment to a fair and transparent examination process.
The high absentee rate among students raises concerns about preparation levels or external factors, while the absence of officials points to potential administrative lapses. The DIOS's swift response with legal notices sets a precedent for accountability as the board exams progress.
