The silver lining lies in systematic reforms
BAKA KHEL: Why do students cheat in exams? I think it is because of parental pressure and societal expectations. The craze to get enrolled in top-notch colleges, the habit of rote learning, lack of career counselling, and technological developments have paved the way for this chronic culture of academic dishonesty and malpractices.
Is it justified to blame the students only? The answer is an emphatic no. Pragmatically, the monster of cheating has been transformed into a commercial enterprise. Invigilation staffs are appointed on political and monetary basis in a bid to grab top positions and attracting new entrants to the institutions, especially the private ones. Printing machines are installed inside the premises of schools. Students are made to contribute hefty amounts for facilitating them in the hall with crib sheets. Invigilation staffs are bought. Impersonation is on the rise.
The PTI-led government pledged sweeping reforms in the education sector. It performed well in some areas like enrollment and teacher absenteeism. However, in accordance with the media reports in the wake of matriculation exams (which started from 15 March), the situation has deteriorated badly. Students, with the connivance of invigilation staff and security personnel, cheat with impunity. This will result in irreparable loss to their future career in the face of ruthless competition.
The silver lining lies in systematic reforms. The district administration should confiscate cheating-related materials forthwith and ban printing shops during papers in the vicinity of academic institutions. The top machinery of boards should be inducted through competitive exams. There should be proper career counselling at different levels. The use of electronic gadgets should be discouraged inside exam halls. Inspection teams should be given full and final authority in deciding the fate of controversial exam centres.
Saeedullah Khan Wazir
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2017.
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