PHOTO: FILE
After technical requirements for procurement of paper were waived off, the per-copy price for paper during the past five years has reduced. The fees for paper marking and compensation to examination staff have been increased by 100 per cent.
In addition, the board has prepared and sent recommendations against performance of affiliated institutions based on a survey of 70,000 students and parents. The chairman federal board expressed the thoughts in an exclusive interview with Daily Express.
He said that in 2018, the board checked papers of 15,000 students through on screen marking. Through the on screen marking system, paper checkers can participate from all over the country while the chance of errors is considerably reduced.
On screen marking will allow us to ensure maximum accuracy in results. In the next few years, we will upgrade our marking system in line with modern requirements.
The chairman further said that the cost for an examination copy in 2013 was in excess of Rs9 but after several companies offering their services against tenders were declined on technical grounds. Rejecting bids of six out of ten companies on technical basis would be a considered a favour to other companies.
“For this reason, the cost for examination copies was cut right in the first year of my chairmanship. We have been able to cut down the cost per copy with Rs3.5 even after accounting for increasing dollar price and inflation.
Dr Ikram said, that fees for marking has been increased while biometric system has been installed for examination staff. The whole system is being digitalised and we are witnessing considerable improvements in the examination system.
We are also for the first time introducing a file tracking system in the country due to which we have achieved great efficiency and economy of time. In addition, we have we have also introduced online systems for examination fee submission, admissions, announcement of results, duplicate mark sheets and issuance and changes in roll number slips. In addition, students or parents can also make online appointments to meet with the administrative staff.
The chairman further said that students of affiliated institutions and their parents were given an ID and password after 2018 examinations to log online and fill a survey questionnaire to provide feedback on hygiene, attitude of the staff, class room environment, availability of washrooms and other matters.
Over 70,000 participants comprising students and parents filled up the questionnaire bases on which we forwarded recommendations to the institutions.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2019.
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