Expert Committee Report on NEET Irregularities Ready, to be Submitted Soon to Supreme Court
New Delhi: The Union Government recently informed the Supreme Court that the high-powered committee, which had the responsibility of probing the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 has finalized its report and recommendations, HT has reported.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Government, informed the Apex Court bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, "The report of the committee is ready. I need some time to finalise and submit it."
Accepting the submission of the Solicitor General, the bench also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra granted two weeks to the Centre to put the report on record.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that while considering the pleas alleging irregularities in the NEET UG 2024 exam, the Supreme Court bench had earlier denied cancelling the UG medical entrance examination observing that there was no systemic breach of its sanctity.
Also Read: Breaking News: Supreme Court junks Pleas Seeking Re-NEET
However, the bench had also taken cognisance of the multiple occurrences of flip-flops and lapses in the conduct of the exam and issued some directions to the expert committee, which was constituted by the Union Government on June 22 to examine the measures to ensure that the exam process is robust.
Back then, the Apex Court has asked the Committee to submit its recommendations by 30.09.2024 and ordered, "The Ministry of Education constituted the committee by a notification dated 22 June 2024. The notification stated that the report of the committee shall be submitted within two months from the date of the issue of the notification. This would be 22 August 2024. However, in view of the expanded remit of the committee in terms of this judgment, additional time may be required for a holistic report on various aspects related to the conduct of the NEET. Therefore, the report of the committee shall be submitted to the Ministry of Education by 30 September 2024."
"The Ministry of Education shall take a decision on the recommendations made by the committee within a period of one month from receiving the report. It shall prepare and begin to implement a plan of action on this basis. The Ministry of Education shall report compliance with these directions within two weeks of taking the decision on the implementation of the recommendations," it had further noted.
As per the latest media report by Hindustan Times, on September 24, the Union Government sought a three-week extension until October 21, for the Committee to finalise and submit its report. In the application, it was stated that the panel, which is also expected to recommend structural reforms in all national-level tests, held 22 meetings to address the complexities involved in conducting such large-scale exams, the risks and the security measures.
The committee's consultations, according to the application, included online inputs via the MyGov Portal, where more than 37,000 responses were received from the students, guardians and education experts, besides physical consultations with stakeholders, including state government, police officials, regulatory bodies and global testing experts.
Supreme Court's Directions to the Expert Committee:
In a detailed judgment, the Apex Court had issued several directions to the Expert Committee.
Examination Security and Administration:
In the judgment, the Court has directed the Committee to
(1) evaluate and recommend reforms in the mechanism of administration of the exam.
(2) formulate standard operating procedures which set out the timelines for registration, changes to preferred cities, the sealing of OMR sheets once candidates submit them to the invigilator, and other processes related to the conduct of the exam.
(3) review the process by which exam centres are currently allotted to candidates and recommend any changes which may be required in the interests of fairness and transparency.
(4) recommend stricter procedures for verifying candidate identities. "Such processes may include, but are not limited to, enhanced identity checks at various stages of the exam (such as registration, entry to the exam centre, and before the commencement of the exam) and technological innovations to prevent impersonation. All procedures should comply with laws on privacy," ordered the court.
(5) consider the viability of comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems at all examination centers, including real-time monitoring and recording of all activities.
(6) review and suggest enhancements for the processes for the setting, printing, transportation, storage, and handling of question papers.
(7) consider the viability of conducting regular audits and surprise inspections of examination centres.
(8) recommend the development of a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
Data Security and Technological Enhancements:
Regarding data security issues, the Court asked the Committee to-
(1) research and suggest advanced data security protocols, including encryption and secure data transmission methods
(2) recommend systems to monitor and track digital footprints related to the examination materials.
(3) consider how regularly cybersecurity audits and vulnerability assessments must be conducted to identify and address potential weaknesses in the electronic dissemination and storage systems.
(4) explore technological innovations to enhance examination security and efficiency.
Policy and Stakeholder Engagement:
In respect to the policy and stakeholder engagement, the court directed the committee to-
(1) review and recommend updates to the policies and SOPs of NTA to align with best practices, ensuring that the agency is equipped to handle evolving challenges in examination security
(2) establish a transparent communication strategy to keep all stakeholders, including candidates, educational institutions, and the public, informed about the measures being taken to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process as well as of the response of NTA to any malpractice which is identified
(3) recommend the implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy to keep all stakeholders involved in the process — including banks, examination centres, and logistical partners — well-informed.
(4) recommend measures to address and mitigate any socioeconomic disparities that may affect candidates' ability to participate in or benefit from the examination process.
Collaboration and International Cooperation:
Regarding collaboration and international cooperation, the committee has been directed by the Court to-
(1) consider the viability of NTA engaging in international cooperation with examination bodies and educational authorities from other countries to share best practices, security measures, and innovative solutions
(2) suggest the creation of a management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks related to examination security.
Support and Training:
The court asked the committee to-
(1) Recommend plans or strategies for the development and implementation of mental health support programs for students, including counselling services and stress management workshops.
(2) Consider the viability of NTA conducting comprehensive training programs for all staff involved in the examination process (including but not limited to question paper setters, invigilators, and administrative personnel).
Also Read: No Systemic Breach in NEET 2024! says Supreme Court, Slams NTA for 'Flip-flops' in Exam
