Former Isro chief-led high-level panel to examine NTA operations

The Ministry of Education on June 22 announced the formation of a high-level seven-member expert committee, headed by former chief of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), K Radhakrishnan, to ensure that transparent, smooth and fair examinations are conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The decision is being taken in light of allegations of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) paper leaks and the cancellation of University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) exams.

Within two months, the committee is expected to present a report. In addition, the committee will examine the NTA's organizational design and operations.

The committee will offer thorough recommendations for enhancing the NTA's organizational structure to successfully execute the recommended changes. This involves defining precise tasks and duties for each level of staff to maintain accountability and effective operation.

The ministry stated in a press release that "in order to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, constituted a high-level committee of experts to make recommendations on: reform in the mechanism of the examination process; and improvement in data security protocols. Structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency."

Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, the former chairman of ISRO, has been appointed chairman of the committee. The other members are Prof. B J Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Hyderabad; Prof. Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras; Prof. Aditya Mittal, Dean of Student Affairs at IIT Delhi; Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, who will act as the Member Secretary; and Dr. Randeep Guleria, former Director of AIIMS Delhi.

The committee will thoroughly examine the NTA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols, making recommendations for strengthening them and providing a strong monitoring system to guarantee compliance at all levels.

The group will also consider methods for strengthening data security procedures, assess the NTA's current data security procedures, and suggest improvements.

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