In another first, examination staff, including centre directors and supervisors, will be verified using a facial recognition system before being allowed inside exam centres
For the first time, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will deploy drone surveillance to monitor sensitive examination centres during the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams. This step is part of a broader initiative to prevent malpractice and ensure the integrity of examinations across the state.
Out of approximately 8,500 exam centres, 500 have been identified as sensitive based on previous instances of malpractice. The decision follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, with the school education department and Maharashtra Board tasked with implementing the measures.
Strict Anti-Malpractice Measures
Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, during a meeting with education officials, emphasised the need for a rigorous anti-copying campaign. The Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982, will be enforced, under which anyone found assisting in malpractices will face cognisable and non-bailable charges.
To further tighten security, photocopy centres within 500 metres of exam centres will be closed during exam periods, and Section 144 will be imposed to prevent unauthorised gatherings.
In addition to drone surveillance, the board has mandated that examination centres be filmed externally, and surprise inspections will be carried out by flying squads. Authorities have been instructed to ensure all necessary facilities are in place before exams commence.
Facial Recognition For Staff Verification
In another first, examination staff, including centre directors and supervisors, will be verified using a facial recognition system before being allowed inside exam centres. This step aims to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the premises.
“On the basis of suggestions from the state government, the divisional board will request district administrations to assist with the facial recognition system,” said a board official.
To further enhance security, identity cards will be issued to examination personnel. Mahendra Ganpule, a former spokesperson of the Maharashtra State Principal Association, welcomed this move, saying, “We demanded that identity cards be issued to board officers on duty. Many-a-time, officers from the non-education department are appointed to flying squads, making it challenging for centre directors to verify their authenticity. Identity cards will solve that problem.”
These comprehensive measures underscore the state’s commitment to conducting fair and transparent examinations while safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring their hard work is rewarded on merit.
