J&K SSB examination to be held under video surveillance

Srinagar, Feb 14: The forthcoming SSB examinations in Kashmir will be conducted under video surveillance following complaints of large-scale cheating in an exam conducted by the Board in December last year.

"The scheduled Service Selection Board (SSB) examinations would be held under complete video-cum-security surveillance to ensure the process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner," Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) Asgar Hassan Samoon said after a meeting here yesterday.

Samoon chaired a meeting of senior officials, including Deputy Commissioners of all districts, to review preparations for the examination, and directed concerned authorities to adhere to instructions for strict implementation and compliance of the order issued in this regard.

"The Board, in coordination with district administration, will make arrangements for installation of video cameras in examination centres during examination hours," Samoon said.

He said if the same is not possible at any venue, video recording at regular intervals during the examination hours shall be done.

The Divisional Commissioner also asked people to call 100 and register complaints in this regard. "Arrangements of proper security at each examination venue through deployment of a required number of security personnel should be prioritised," he said, adding that adequate number of female constables should also be deployed. Imposition of prohibitory orders under Section-144 CrPc around examination centres should also be done, Samoon said.

The steps have been taken after allegations of cheating and mass copying in the examination conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) in the last week of December last year.

Several videos went viral on social networking sites, showing candidates writing the examinations outside the halls and using mobile phones. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to issue necessary orders for smooth conduct of the examination.

Additional Deputy Commissioners would be appointed as Chief Inspectors of their respective districts and visit examination centres in district headquarters.

In case the examinations are conducted at tehsil headquarters, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area and Tehsildar concerned shall be appointed as Chief Inspectors.

PTI