Tablets to keep tabs on students in II PU exams

Will be placed at 300-500 centres to curb malpractice

In order to curb malpractice, tablet computers with in-built cameras will be placed at 300-500 “sensitive” centres where second pre-university course (PUC) examinations will be held later this month, Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar said on Friday. 

The exams are beginning on March 12. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, Ratnakar said the step had to be taken as the department of pre-university education (DPUE) had received many complaints of malpractice last year. 

Since it was too late to instal CCTV cameras in examination halls, the DPUE decided to keep computer tablets in classrooms to monitor students. The streaming video from the tablets can be monitored at a centralised location in Bengaluru, he said. 

Such a system is already in use in Gujarat, he added. The project is likely to cost Rs 1.5 crore and the company which had executed the project in Gujarat will implement it in Karnataka, too, he said. 

Meanwhile, Ratnakar said, the government will begin on March 20 the proces of recruiting about 11,000 teachers for primary schools and pre-university colleges. 

Replying to queries, Ratnakar clarified that no government school would be shut down even for lack of students. The government is taking steps to ensure students get books and uniforms on time this year. 

Shoes for students A pair of shoes and two pairs of socks would be given to all students of government and aided schools. 

“The scheme will cost Rs 150 crore, and we have submitted it to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for consideration,” Ratnakar said. The following year, an announcement on opening 500 new government high schools and PU colleges is likely to be made. 

Kannada mediumThe minister reiterated that the government would introduce Kannada as a mandatory subject from class 1 to 12. 

The government will also introduce an amendment bill in the budget session to restore the primacy of Kannada as medium of instruction for imparting primary education, he said.  An amendment will be brought to section 29 (2) (f) of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, to make Kannada the medium of instruction in all schools, Ratnakar said. 

Last year, the Supreme Court had upheld a judgment of the High Court of Karnataka which struck down an executive order issued by the State government in 1994 to impose Kannada or mother tongue as medium of instruction in primary schools. 

The Supreme Court also rejected a revision petition filed by the State government for review of its ruling. 

A curative petition filed by the government is yet to be heard by the Supreme Court, the minister pointed out.