Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 14: Ahead of the upcoming Class 10 and 12 board examinations, the Maharashtra government has rolled out a stringent, multi-layered security mechanism to curb cheating and other malpractices, ranging from drone surveillance outside sensitive centres to CCTV monitoring inside exam halls.
Exam centres identified as sensitive or high-risk will be placed under enhanced vigilance. Authorities have been directed to ensure CCTV cameras not only across the premises but also inside examination rooms, with footage to be stored and made accessible to district officials throughout the exam period. In select centres with a history of irregularities, drone cameras and external video recording will also be used to monitor movement around the venues.
To prevent paper leaks and external interference, police or home guard personnel will escort question papers during transportation. Government vehicles may be requisitioned to carry question papers and answer sheets to and from collection centres. Police deployment has also been ordered at examination venues to ensure smooth conduct without outside disturbances.
As part of preventive measures, photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of exam centres will remain closed during exam hours, while prohibitory orders will be enforced in surrounding areas. Flying squads and static inspection teams will conduct surprise checks across centres, though officials have been instructed to ensure that students are not harassed.
The state government has warned that anyone found indulging in or facilitating cheating will face strict action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, under which offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Federation of Junior College Teachers’ Organisation has raised concerns over compulsory CCTV coverage. In a letter, the federation said continuous surveillance, data storage and maintenance would impose a heavy financial burden on junior colleges, particularly aided and rural institutions already facing fund constraints. It pointed out that private aided schools established after 2008 do not receive financial or operational support from the government and would have to bear the entire cost of installing and maintaining CCTV systems.
Responding to the concerns, deputy director of education Rajesh Kankal said most schools in cities already have CCTV facilities, though the number without such systems could be higher in rural areas, which would need to be reviewed in coordination with the board.