CS for strict measures to curb cheating in board exams

PESHAWAR: In a bid to ensure transparency in the upcoming board examinations, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah on Thursday directed the authorities to implement strict measures to prevent cheating.

Chairing a high-level meeting, attended by the secretary of Education, all commissioners, chairman of educational boards, and district education officers via video link, the chief secretary stressed the need to uphold merit and fairness in matriculation examinations.

He highlighted the significance of matriculation exams in shaping students’ futures and reiterated the government’s commitment to comprehensive educational reforms. “Education is a vital sector, and we must take all necessary steps to eliminate cheating from our examination system,” he added.

To ensure transparency, the chief secretary ordered that exam duties be assigned on merit. He announced that the Education Monitoring Authority (EMA), district administration, and special branch would oversee the examinations. Additionally, he said, CCTV cameras would be installed where required, and a team of officers, not below Grade 18, will be deployed for monitoring.

He directed the deputy commissioners to assign all assistant commissioners, instead of tehsildars, to inspect examination halls and prevent external interference. Officials with questionable records would not be allowed to perform examination duties. Daily reports will be compiled, and live monitoring will be conducted through EMA teams.

The chief secretary issued a stern warning against those aiding cheating, stating that strict action would be taken against facilitators. He also announced a ban on examination halls in private institutions to prevent malpractice.

In another decisive step, student migrations to any institution after February 1 would be canceled to prevent last-minute transfers aimed at securing undue advantages. Furthermore, authorities will conduct raids on stationery shops and photocopy centers near examination halls suspected of selling cheating materials.

“The cheating culture is damaging our education system. We are committed to ensuring a transparent and fair examination process to produce bright and capable students,” he went on to add.