Keralam CM holds discussion with High-Powered Task Force on exam reforms

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday held a discussion with the Centre’s High-Powered Task Force on examination reforms, which is visiting Keralam as part of efforts to explore measures to strengthen the conduct of public examinations in the country.

The delegation included former ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath, permanent invitee to the task force Shankar Maruwada, and P. Bala Kiran IAS, Secretary-cum-Controller of Examinations of the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) and Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.

According to official sources, the meeting focussed on reviewing existing examination systems and exploring ways to make examinations more transparent, secure, accountable and efficient. Suggestions were also exchanged on examination methods, the security of question papers and examination procedures, and the functioning of examination institutions.

The implementation of computer-based testing (CBT), along with the institutional and technological arrangements required for its adoption, was among the key topics that were discussed at the meeting. It also considered various reforms aimed at making the examination system more credible, secure, transparent and efficient.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen, Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, Higher Education department Principal Secretary B. Ashok, Kerala State Higher Education Council Vice-Chairperson Achuthsankar S. Nair, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rathan U. Kelkar, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister Umesh N.S.K., Director of General Education Arun K. Vijayan, Commissioner for Entrance Examinations and Director of Collegiate Education Asif K. Yusuf, Director of Medical Education Viswanath D., and Joint Commissioner for Entrance Examinations Manoj also attended the meeting.