NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh replaced by Pradeep Singh Kharola amid growing criticism.
NTA Director General Subodh Kumar Singh was removed from his position on Saturday and placed on “compulsory wait” in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Pradeep Singh Kharola has been assigned the additional charge of NTA DG.
The Director General of the National Testing Agency ( NTA), Suborn Kumar Singh, was removed from the post on Saturday amid controversy over irregularities in exams. Singh’s services were put on a “compulsory wait” in Department of Personnel and Training, the government said in a letter.This move comes amidst a growing controversy over alleged irregularities in the conduct of exams.
India Trade Promotion Organisation Chairman and MD Pradeep Singh Kharola was assigned additional charge of NTA DG till “appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders…”. The change of guard was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Saturday.
The National Testing Agency is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education of India. It conducts several entrance exams including NEET and UGC-NET.
Pradeep Singh Kharola has been given additional charge of the post of Director General, National Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of Education. pic.twitter.com/owLKo75ApU
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2024
The National Testing Agency came under the fire earlier this month after the government cancelled the UGC-NET even as there were allegations of “paper leak” in the NEET-UG exam as well and demand for its cancellation.
According to news agency PTI, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that the “top leadership” of the NTA is under the scanner over alleged irregularities in competitive exams NEET and NET.
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Earlier in the day, the education ministry notified a seven-member panel headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency . The panel is expected to review the existing examination processes and provide recommendations for improving efficiency and eliminating any potential discrepancies. This proactive step by the education ministry highlights their commitment towards maintaining the integrity of the examination system.
“Transparent, tamper-free and zero-error examinations is a commitment. Setting up of the high-level committee of experts is the first of a series of step to improve efficiency of the examination process, put an end to all possible malpractices, strengthen data security protocols and overhaul and reform the National Testing Agency . Student interests and their bright future will always be our govt’s top priority,” Pradhan posted on X.
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