SSLC: Nine students debarred in 2019, five teachers held

BENGALURU: For the first time in the past three years, the number of students debarred for malpractice during SSLC exams is in single digits. In another first, teachers — five to be precise — were arrested for abetting malpractice.
While 13 students were debarred in 2016-17, the number rose to 69 in 2017-18 and dipped to nine this year (2018-19). The exams began on March 21 and three students were debarred on Day 1 in Bagalkot during the first language exam.
On March 25 when the mathematics paper was held, an autorickshaw driver appearing as a private candidate from Mysuru carried a smartphone in his undergarments and was caught sending images of the question paper on a WhatsApp group and seeking answers.
Subsequently, one student was debarred on March 27 in Bengaluru North for malpractice in the second language paper. This was followed by two students — one from Bagalkot and one from Yadgir — getting penalised on March 29 (social science paper). No malpractice was reported during the science exam held on April 2.
On April 4, last day of the exams (third language), two students, one each in Belagavi and Bagalkot, were debarred for malpractice.
“The number of students debarred for malpractice has reduced drastically due to strict measures taken by officials. We introduced CCTV cameras in exam halls in 2017. Watches have not been allowed since 2018. And very strict invigilation has been followed,” said V Sumangala, director, Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB).
However, Sumanagala admitted that 2018-19 was also the first year when teachers were arrested for their alleged involvement in malpractices.
Teacher shared papers on WhatsApp
One of the teachers allegedly shared images of SSLC question papers on WhatsApp much before the end of the exam. The government teacher from Badagunte village in Sira taluk of Tumakuru district was suspended and sent to judicial custody on the first day of exam (March 21). A complaint was filed against him under Section 24A of the Karnataka Education Act 1983. If the charges are proven, he may face a minimum punishment of three years and may be fined at least Rs 5 lakh.
Following complaints, the board cracked down on three teachers who allegedly provided answers to students during the maths exam on March 25. The malpractice was reported from a centre in Raibag, Chikkodi educational district. A criminal complaint was filed against the three teachers and principal of the PU college where the exam hall was located. All four were arrested.