CM OMAR ABDULLAH CHAIRS HIGH-POWERED TASK FORCE MEETING ON EXAMINATION REFORMS; STRESSES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MALPRACTICES

Jammu/Srinagar, November 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of the High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, reviewing measures aimed at strengthening the examination system and ensuring fairness, transparency and credibility in public examinations.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, the Minister for School and Higher Education, besides senior officers of the administration.

During the deliberations, the Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s firm commitment to establishing a safe, secure, impartial and transparent examination framework across Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that maintaining the credibility of examinations must remain a top priority, with strict action against any form of malpractice or irregularity.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES

Omar Abdullah underlined the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards cheating, paper leaks and other examination-related malpractices, emphasising that strict safeguards and effective monitoring mechanisms must be put in place to protect the interests of students.

He also called for greater integration of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to strengthen examination security, improve monitoring and make the overall examination process more efficient and reliable.

MORE EXAMINATION CENTRES IN REMOTE AREAS

Highlighting the difficulties faced by students in far-flung and remote areas, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of establishing additional examination centres to ensure equitable access and reduce the burden of long-distance travel for candidates.

He observed that examination reforms must remain student-focused, ensuring that every candidate gets a fair opportunity irrespective of geographical location.

FOCUS ON STUDENT-CENTRIC REFORMS AND GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

The Chief Minister further emphasised the need for uniform examination protocols, timely resolution of students’ grievances and the adoption of best practices followed by leading examination institutions at the national level.

He also called for stronger institutional coordination between Jammu and Kashmir’s examination authorities and national-level examination bodies to improve standards, enhance transparency and strengthen the credibility of the examination system.

The meeting discussed the broader framework for examination reforms, with emphasis on technology-driven solutions, accountability, accessibility and coordinated efforts to safeguard students’ academic interests.

The Chief Minister stressed that a robust, transparent and student-friendly examination system is essential for building public confidence and ensuring equal opportunities for students across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)