Gujarat Lokayuktas Bold Move: Govt Press to Print Question Papers, Ensuring Leak-Proof Exams

To curb question paper leaks in recruitment exams, the Gujarat Lokayukta proposes printing question papers only at the government-run press, enhancing accountability and transparency in the examination process.

Gandhinagar, February 14: The Gujarat Lokayukta has proposed significant changes to the printing and distribution of question papers for recruitment exams conducted by the Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB) to prevent paper leaks and ensure accountability. The recommendations were presented in the Twenty Third Annual Consolidated Report of Lokayukta of Gujarat, tabled in the state Assembly during the ongoing Budget session.

Printing Question Papers at Government-Run Press

The Lokayukta suggested that question papers for GSSSB exams should be printed exclusively at government-run presses. This measure would enable clear responsibility assignment in case of paper leaks, as the government press operates under strict security and accountability protocols.

Limited Knowledge of Question Paper Contents

To maintain the secrecy of the exam, the Lokayukta recommended that only a select few individuals, such as the chairman of the examination board, should possess knowledge of the exact questions to be included in the paper. This restricted access would minimize the risk of leaks and ensure the integrity of the examination process.

Learning from GPSC and UPSC Procedures

The Lokayukta advised considering the paper-setting procedures followed by the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These esteemed organizations have robust systems in place to safeguard the confidentiality of exam materials, and their practices could provide valuable insights for improving GSSSB's processes.

Response to Paper Leak Complaints

The Lokayukta's recommendations stem from an inquiry initiated in 2022 based on complaints regarding the leak of question papers for various written tests conducted by the GSSSB. The report emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and modifications to the existing procedures to prevent future incidents of paper leaks.

Fixing Responsibility and Ensuring Accountability

The report prepared by Lokayukta Justice Rajesh Shukla (retired) stresses the importance of implementing necessary modifications to the procedure at the appropriate government level. These changes should facilitate the identification of responsibility and enable cross-examination in the event of paper leaks.

Past Instances of Paper Leaks

The Lokayukta's concerns are supported by past instances of paper leaks. Investigations revealed that a question paper for the head clerk recruitment exam was leaked from a private press in Sanand city, which had been awarded the paper printing contract by the GSSSB. Similarly, a question paper for the junior clerk exam was leaked from a private press in Telangana.

Suggestions for a More Detailed Procedure

The Lokayukta also called for the formulation of a more detailed procedure for setting question papers for competitive exams. This procedure should ensure that only a limited number of individuals, such as the chairman of the board, have knowledge of the exact questions included in the paper. Additionally, collecting different sets of questions from multiple moderators would further enhance the secrecy of the process.

The Gujarat Lokayukta's recommendations aim to strengthen the integrity and credibility of recruitment exams conducted by the GSSSB. By implementing these measures, the government can prevent paper leaks, ensure accountability, and foster a fair and transparent examination process for aspiring candidates.