Nandan Nilekani to lead Panel on Exam Reforms
NEW DELHI, JULY 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force to recommend comprehensive reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination system, with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani appointed as its chairman.
The task force will comprise former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
Announcing the decision through a post on Instagram, the Prime Minister said the Government of India remains committed to safeguarding the future of students by strengthening the country’s examination system.
“The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. Those who tampered with the students’ future are languishing in jail,” Modi said.
Referring to recent initiatives aimed at preventing examination malpractices, the Prime Minister said the government has already established fast-track courts to ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in examination-related offences. He added that the Centre is also working towards introducing new legislation in Parliament that will include stringent legal provisions to curb such crimes.
Emphasising the need for long-term structural reforms, Modi said the country’s examination system must be made more reliable, transparent and technology-driven.
“Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology,” he said.
The Prime Minister stated that the newly constituted task force, under the leadership of globally recognised technology expert Nandan Nilekani, will examine various aspects of examination reforms and submit recommendations aimed at enhancing the credibility, fairness and efficiency of future examinations.
Based on the panel’s recommendations, the government will take necessary steps to implement reforms at the earliest to restore public confidence in the country’s examination process, Modi added.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over examination irregularities and paper leak incidents in recent years, which have triggered demands for greater transparency and accountability in competitive examinations conducted across the country.
