Is Odisha's Examination System in Crisis? BJD Raises Alarm Over Paper Leaks

BJD Criticizes Government Over Examination Integrity

Bhubaneswar: Following allegations of question paper leaks during the recent Post Graduate medical MD/MS examination, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government of failing to uphold the integrity of the examination process.

The opposition party highlighted that there have been 23 reported incidents of question paper leaks in Odisha since the BJP took office 24 months ago, urging for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged leak of the Medical PG examination.

During a press briefing at Sankha Bhawan, BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahu and Vice-President Pratap Jena expressed their concerns regarding the alleged leak of the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) Medical PG examination conducted on July 27.

Sahu remarked that such leaks have become alarmingly frequent, not just in Odisha but across the nation.

He likened the situation to the Indian Premier League (IPL), suggesting that the term 'Indian Paper Leak (IPL)' has emerged due to the regularity of these incidents.

Sahu claimed that during the Medical PG examination, the question paper was reportedly shared via WhatsApp while the test was ongoing, with answers also circulating among candidates.

Senior BJD leader Jena pointed out that the NEET question paper leak had already raised national concerns, and the latest allegations regarding the Medical PG examination have only intensified public anxiety.

He recalled that following the NEET scandal, the Centre introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which mandates strict penalties for those involved in such leaks.

In December 2024, the Odisha Assembly enacted a similar law, the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at preventing these offenses.

Despite these stringent laws, Jena noted that paper leaks continue to plague Odisha, with 23 examination irregularities reported during the BJP's tenure. He attributed this to the government's inability to effectively manage the examination system.

Jena called for the state government to provide a transparent explanation, initiate a thorough investigation, and impose strict penalties on those responsible.