The ongoing Jantar Mantar protest by students in Delhi over the NEET-UG exam paper leak, Prime Minister Modi once again took to social media to make an important announcement regarding the future of students. He announced the formation of a high-level task force on exam reforms, to be led by world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani.
On Sunday, July 26th, Prime Minister Modi once again shared a video on his Instagram account, stating, “The government is continuously taking various steps for the future of students. Those who compromised their future are in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. Work is underway to introduce a new law in Parliament, which will include stringent legal provisions. But we also have to look to the future. Our examination system must be reliable and transparent, and it must maximize the use of technology.”
Task force will focus on examination reforms
Keeping these considerations in mind, we have decided to form a high-level task force under the leadership of world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. This task force will focus on examination reforms. Based on the report, steps will be taken as soon as possible to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations.
To further improve, improve, and secure the National Testing Agency’s examinations, the central government has formed a multidisciplinary group of domain experts. This high-powered task force will primarily prepare a blueprint for major structural reforms in the system from the perspective of modern technology.”
He also stated, This special committee includes top leaders from across the country, including technology expert Nandan Neel, former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Chennai Director V. Kamkoti, former Education Secretary Anita Agarwal, and logistics expert Amritlal Meena.
Nandan Neel is an Indian entrepreneur, having founded the country’s leading IT company, Infosys. He served as the first Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India, where he played a key role in the successful implementation of India’s ambitious Aadhaar scheme. He also led the key technology committee, TAGUP (Technology Advisory Group for Unique Projects), within the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
This task force, headed by him, is expected to promote biometric authentication, digital security, computer-based training, and other modern technologies in examinations, thereby preventing incidents like paper leaks.