Paper leak suspects brought to book

Minister issues stern warning to exam staff

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Faisal Khan Tarakai, emphasized the unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency in the ongoing matriculation exams. He stated that strict actions would be taken against any individuals found involved in paper leaks, affirming that transparency would be upheld at every stage.

Addressing concerns raised on social media regarding paper leakage during the matriculation examinations, Tarakai highlighted the swift identification of such instances, resulting in the suspension of 12 officials implicated in the leaks. He advocated for the complete prohibition of examination halls where such breaches occur, underscoring the need for stringent measures to safeguard the integrity of the exams.

Tarakai asserted that the matriculation exams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa maintain over 90 percent transparency, showcasing a satisfactory performance compared to other provinces. He debunked circulating examination papers on social media as mostly fake, indicating that inquiries have been initiated in Mardan, Malakand, and Dera Ismail Khan Boards in response to complaints.

Those found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established rules.

Commending the exceptional performance of the supervisory staff, Tarakai noted that 98 percent of the 24 thousand personnel are executing their duties with excellence, contributing to the commendable progress of the ongoing examinations.

He acknowledged the commendable efforts undertaken by the Department of Education to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process.

Additionally, Tarakai highlighted that they are implementing Student Learning Outcome (SLO) based exams, with his team closely monitoring the examination process across the province.

He emphasized their preparedness for the upcoming FA/FSC exams, ensuring both meritocracy and transparency within the Department of Education.

However, despite the provincial government’s assurances, criticism and public outcry on social media have intensified following reports of examination paper leaks, casting doubt on the integrity of the examination process throughout the province.

In a separate development, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, Muzamil Aslam, announced significant cost savings for the provincial government.

He disclosed during a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Text Book Board that the government would save Rs4 billion by opting to reuse textbooks this fiscal year. The meeting, chaired by Aslam, was attended by key officials including Special Secretary Finance Khuda Bakhsh, Additional Secretary E&SE Abdullah Akram, Chairman Textbook Board Syed Saqlain Gillani, and Deputy Secretary Finance Dr. Sania.

It was revealed that 34 million books had been printed in K-P this year, a significant reduction from the 563 million printed last year, contributing to the substantial cost savings achieved through the reuse of textbooks.

During the meeting, Advisor to Finance, Muzammil Aslam, announced a ban on the purchase and sale of both new and old textbooks within the province.

He emphasized that strict measures would be taken against any individuals involved in such transactions. Aslam also assured timely release of funds for printing textbooks to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board.

Looking ahead, Aslam disclosed plans to introduce incentives in the upcoming academic year, where school teachers and students would be rewarded for maintaining textbooks in optimal condition. This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of preserving books properly. He commended the efforts of the Elementary & Secondary Education Department and the Textbook Board for the successful implementation of the textbook reuse policy.

Published in The Express Tribune May 1^st, 2024.