Maharashtra forms state-level vigilance committee for Class 10, 12 board exams

The Maharashtra government has constituted a state-level vigilance committee to oversee the conduct of Maharashtra Class 10, 12 board exams and prevent exam-related malpractices. According to the resolution, the committee has been formed to ensure coordination, monitoring, and control at the state level for exams conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.

The government states that while district-level vigilance committees are already in place, a separate state-level body is required for the effective implementation of copy-free examinations across the state.

“To prevent malpractices in the Class 10 and Class 12 certificate examinations, to ensure that all examination centres function peacefully and in a stress-free environment, and to effectively implement a state-wide copy-free campaign with the objective of improving academic quality among students, the Government hereby approves the constitution of a “State-level Vigilance Committee”,” the official resolution said.

Role of district vigilance committees

According to a government resolution, the committee has been tasked with ensuring that the Maharashtra board Class 10, 12 exams are conducted in a peaceful and stress-free environment. It will also be responsible for implementing a statewide copy-free campaign aimed at maintaining examination discipline and improving academic standards.

The government resolution also reiterates the responsibilities of district-level vigilance committees, which function under the chairmanship of district collectors. These committees are responsible for ensuring that examinations in their respective districts are conducted without malpractice and in an orderly manner.

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Police deployment, CCTV monitoring at exam centres

The resolution further states that district committees have been directed to verify examination centre infrastructure one day before the start of exams, identify sensitive and troubled centres, ensure CCTV coverage and data storage, and maintain CCTV access at district offices.

They are also required to deploy flying and static squads, ensure police deployment at centres, and arrange security during transportation of question papers and answer sheets.

“To arrange government vehicles, as required, for transporting question papers and collecting answer scripts for major custody centres. To provide police or Home Guard personnel for security during transportation of question papers along with the assistant custodian (runner),” the government resolution said, outlining the responsibilities and functions of the district-level vigilance committees.

Action under malpractice law

The resolution further mandates action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, in cases of examination-related offences. Photocopy centres within a 500-metre radius of examination centres should remain closed during the examination period, and prohibitory measures are to be enforced around centres as required.

The government states that the measures are intended to ensure uniform monitoring and enforcement across the state during the conduct of the Maharashtra Class 10, 12 board exams.

The state-level vigilance committee will be chaired by the Commissioner of Education. Other members include the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, special inspector general of police (all ranges), additional divisional commissioners, directors of education for primary, secondary, higher secondary, and planning, and the secretary of the state board as member-secretary.