Nandan Nilekani-led ‘High-Powered Task Force' invites suggestions on exam reforms | India News

The Union government's ‘High-Powered Task Force’ for exam reforms, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has invited suggestions from stakeholders till September 13.The HTPF has sought inputs from students, parents, teachers, academic institutions, according to a press release by the ministry of personnel, grievances and pensions. The panel has asked for suggestions from other relevant stakeholders, including examination-conducting and “test-indenting” bodies, and subject matter and technology professionals.Also Read | TRE-4 single-phase exam to recruitment calendar: 10 key decisions by Bihar government“The HPTF considers it extremely useful to benefit from the experience, knowledge and perspectives of all stakeholders,” the government release said.This comes in the aftermath of the 36-day student agitation in Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other parts of the country against alleged irregularities in NEET. The protests led to the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with the Centre also announcing steps to reform the examination system.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, last month, announced the formation of the six-member task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nilekani, which he said would recommend technological interventions and structural reforms to overhaul NTA's examination system. What ‘suggestive areas’ has the panel given for recommendations?According to the statement, the task force has sought suggestions for the conducting and security of public examinations, exam design and method of assessment, and for the prevention, detection and redressal of malpractices. The panel has also sought inputs regarding “governance, accountability and institutional arrangements”; the use of technology and computer-based testing; transparency, grievance redressal and stakeholder communication; and measures to promote student well-being throughout the examination process. It has further invited suggestions on building an “inclusive” exam framework “for better access across social, economic, regional and linguistic groups”, and any other measure which may add value.Also Read | Supreme Court asks NTA where things stand on 2024 exam reforms planStakeholders can submit inputs through the task force website, phone (1800-180-4747) or WhatsApp. To submit suggestions through WhatsApp, stakeholders can send “hptf” to +917827042830 or click https://wa.me/917827042830?text=hptf. They can also send an email to [email protected] submissions can be made in English, Hindi and regional languages.What will the ‘High-Powered Task Force’ do?According to the press release, the task force has been entrusted with examining and recommending “comprehensive reforms relating to the conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations.”The task force will examine measures for strengthening institutional systems and processes, ensuring “integrity and security” in exams, and deploying “appropriate technologies.” It will further look into “augmenting examination infrastructure, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and safeguarding student well-being”, the ministry said.It said that the objective of the HPTF is to “develop a robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready public examination system.”Apart from Nilekani, the panel will comprise former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.