Never Reviewed online question paper delivery system: Panel
The Digital Exam Paper Delivery System (DEPDS) was introduced in 2013 at Mumbai University after a series of paper leaks between November 9 and November 16 on a social media platform.
Police arrested 13 people, including 11 students after the paper leak earlier in November. The accused were later released on bail.
A recent report by an internal committee has revealed that the University has never reviewed online question paper delivery system since the leaks.
Highlights of The Report
— A seven-page report
— Revealed that colleges were unaware of security measures required for the delivery system
— Committee has faulted the varsity for not reviewing DEPDS in the last four years. During this period, three instances of papers being ‘leaked’ on social media were reported to the university
What Review Panel Demands
— An assessment of the system and the varsity should have enquired whether the colleges are following the norms or not
–Recommended that the university include information technology (IT) experts in its flying squads. These experts would help the squads to keep an eye on digital infrastructure at colleges, in addition to preventing other malpractices.
— Varsity must conduct a training programme to familiarise college authorities with various security measures needed for the system, before every semester examination.
What Authorities Say
Arjun Ghatule, in-charge director, board of examination and evaluation at MU, said, “The university’s paper delivery system is perfect, but one can’t do much if there’s human involvement. The colleges are aware of the security requirements of DEPDS. We have also been conducting workshops to train college staff, although I don’t know if such activities were conducted in past.”
Currently, the university conducts a trial run of the system before every examination.
