Opposition corners govt on paper leak

The leak of II PU Mathematics and Physics papers reverberated in both Houses of the legislature on Monday with the Opposition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter and sought action against those responsible for the lapses irrespective of their position.

“Students and parents are suffering because of the lapses on the part of the government. There is no point in suspending some clerks and lower rung officials and claiming action has been initiated. Order a CBI inquiry. Instill fear in those who played havoc with the careers of innocent students,” Siddaramaiah said. 

The Opposition also refused to accept Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri’s reply that the ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe would nail the culprits. 

“The CID will not be able to do anything. The entire issue will be swept under the carpet. A CBI inquiry is the only answer,” D K Shivakumar (Cong) said. Kageri said the “primary source” of the leak was yet to be ascertained. 

“We are perplexed about the leak of question papers. What should not have happened has happened. But, at the same time, we are taking steps to ensure that the sanctity of all future examinations is protected,” the minister said.

He said the government would discuss the issue of bringing about reforms in the examination system soon after the completion of the SSLC exams. “Our top priority is to ensure that the remaining papers of II PU and SSLC exams starting April 2 pass off smoothly.”

Tuition mafia

In the Council,  Kageri said the “tuition mafia” and “private educational institutions mafia” may be responsible for the leak and that those who were “targeting” PU Board Commissioner Rashmi V Mahesh may also have leaked the papers, to bring a “bad name” to her. He said that a tuition centre which was in possession of the leaked paper had been identified. Earlier, members cutting across party lines suspected a nexus between a few private tuitions and some officials in the PU board behind the paper leak.

He said the government would initiate strict action against those involved. “We will send a strong message that whoever is guilty will not be spared,” Kageri said.

No transfer

Kageri backed the PU Board Commissioner and ruled out any possibility of transferring her. He said all the PU examinations would be completed by April 5.

When the Opposition in the Assembly repeatedly sought a CBI probe, Kageri said the government would take an appropriate decision once the CID completes its investigation. “If a higher level probe is required covering a larger jurisdiction, we will take a decision at a later stage,” the minister said.

Not satisfied with the minister’s reply, the Congress members walked out.