Amid allegations of cheating during class-IX annual exams, Punjab’s School Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, took decisive action by removing the chairman and controller examination of the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE).
Interim Appointment and Inquiry Launch
Subsequently, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa assumed the role of interim BISE chairman and initiated an inquiry, spearheaded by an inquiry committee led by the additional commissioner (coordination), to investigate the allegations.
Direct Intervention and Arrests
Taking direct action, Minister Hayat personally led a raid at an examination center in Baghbanpura, resulting in the arrest of eight officials implicated in facilitating cheating. These individuals admitted to accepting bribes and allowing impersonation.
Allegations and Suspension
Furthermore, Hayat disclosed that the chairman and controller were suspended due to their alleged involvement with the cheating mafia. He cited threats and their authorization of hiring private individuals for invigilation as reasons for their suspension.
Exposure of Further Allegations
Allegations also emerged suggesting that private school interests bribed board staff to secure specific examination centers, allegedly sold for Rs80,000 each. Additionally, answer-filled papers were purportedly acquired for Rs4,000 to Rs7,000.
Continued Vigilance Against Cheating
Undeterred, Minister Hayat pledged to persist in exposing the cheating network, with 30 suspects apprehended thus far. This commitment remains steadfast amidst rampant cheating in ongoing matric examinations administered by Lahore BISE.
Expressed Concerns and Criticism
Expressing concerns, Rana Liaqat Ali, General Secretary of Punjab Teachers’ Union Central, emphasized the need for significant reforms in examination transparency. He criticized the involvement of private individuals as invigilators, calling for systemic changes.
Additional Measures by Minister Bilal Yasin
In parallel efforts, Minister Bilal Yasin visited examination centers in Lahore, suspending two superintendents and dismissing six invigilators for rule violations. He condemned the appointment of polio workers and private individuals as invigilators, demanding concrete measures to prevent cheating.
