Bhubaneswar, September 5 (odisha.in) Odisha.in and Odisha.com had Tuesday exposed how some mark sheets were tempered in the plus three examinations of Utkal University and higher marks were given to some students who got lower marks.
Now Odisha.com and Odisha.in is in possession of some more documents which clearly shows how such important matters were not brought to the notice of the government even if that was known to the university vice chancellor.
According to documents available with Odisha.in the results +three final degree Examination 2007 was published on 27.06.2007 and was hoisted in the website.
On information of complaints from unknown sources, the then Controller of Examinations Dr. P.K.Kar regarding tampering of marks, the Examination Committee appointed a three member Sub-Committee on 31.07.2007.
The Sub-Committee met on 04.08.2007, 05.08.2007, 09.08.2007 and 10.08,2007 and submitted its report on14.08.2007. Nine days after submission of the report, i.e. on.23.08.2007, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Laxminarayan Mishra gave approval to the report.
The Sub-Committee clearly recommended that “the matter regarding the irregularities committed during publication of +3 Final Degree Results 2007 be further inquired into by some external agency”
But interestingly so far the Vice-Chancellor has not taken any action in this regard. Neither the matter was referred to the Crime Branch or Vigilance for inquiries and action against the persons involved in such criminal act like tampering of marks and records in different stages were taken.
From the statement of Minister Higher Education, Samir Dey, it is evident that the Vice-Chancellor has not informed the Minister regarding such an important matter involving the prestige and good will of Orissa’s Premier University.
Talking to media persons, Minister Dey has said, ” I don’t have any knowledge about the scam or the irregularities. I came to know from you only. Now I will try to ascertain fact from the concerned authorities and take action.”
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mishra, though said that he was aware of the large scale mark scam, he refused to share the information with the media. “After the Senate and Syndicate meeting on this particular issue, we will be able to tell you, what action we are going to take in this matter…
Yes it is a serious matter and we will take action against those involved in this type of activities, Dr. Mishra assured.
Though the Vice-Chancellor was aware about such a grave scandal since 23rd August, 2007 his not informing the matter to Minister of Higher Education points needle of suspicion towards the University authorities who were allegedly trying to hush up the matter.
This is evident from the terms of reference of the Sub-Committee. Those were, “to enquire into the alleged irregularities committed in publication of +3 Final Degree Result 2007 and suggestion of reform measures to be undertaken to streamline the examination system of the University.”
There was no mention about suggestions for action against the persons involved in such type of scandalous and dangerous criminal act.
Chairman of the Sub-Committee Dr. Sailabala Senapati was very much aware about corruptions in the Zonal Centers as last year from the zonal center of K.N.Women’s College, Bhubaneswar ( of which she was the Principal and Zonal Supervisor ) some agents comprising of staff and teachers were involved in alluring lady students to award higher marks against financial and sexual favours (Odisha.com and Odisha.in has possesses evidences).
Being a senior member of the Syndicate what had prevented her to bring such matters before other members of the Examination Committee and to suggest remedies before the +3 Final Examinations were conducted and papers were examined.
Minister Samir Dey was also allegedly informed about scandalous activities and exploitation at the Zonal Centers much ahead. But he has not paid any heed to it for which it encouraged the “mischievous and dishonest elements” to act freely.
Talking to Odisha.in some sensible guardians demanded that the Vice-Chancellor and the Sub-Committee members should come forward with the names and addresses of the students whose marks have been tampered at different levels to give higher marks and circumstances under which such tampering has been made.
a fresh document available with Odisha.in and Odisha.com reveals that there were large scale irregularities in appointment of examiners. On scrutiny it was found that the examiners have been appointed under facsimile signature of the C.E. (Chief Examiners)
There is non-participation of lot of examiners appointed by the board resulting in spot appointment of examiners. Taking the opportunely some undeserving examiners enter into the system. Some of them manage to be appointed at different zones at the same time.”
One of the most important finding was that “the Computer Cell depends on contractual employees having no accountability. The cell had 5 persons to make the data entry and 6 more to check the same. None of the employees are regular.
The Computer Cell has free entry for outsiders including University employees, who go on personal capacity and inquire about marks.
The Computer Cell is located far off from the office of the Controller and there is no security. Thus, there is no confidentiality and in absence of roper tabulator there are wrong entries …..”xxxxxxx” there is regular interference by the employees deputed from the University”……”
The examination cell is suffering from dearth of tabulators. One of the reasons is that the rate of remuneration is quite low and moreover proper exercise has not been made at the University level to identify persons with integrity to be appointed as tabulators and supervisors. xxxx persons with allegations against them are continuing as tabulators/ supervisors.”
Most importantly ” in several cases students are allowed to appear in papers which they have not originally mentioned in their application.”
To maintain transparency Utkal University as well as in the Education in the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the new Chancellor of the University should order for detail probe by Vigilance or Crime Branch within a stipulated period and fix responsibilities on persons responsible for such affairs in the University at the cost of its reputation and lives of lakhs of students.
Odisha.in