Amid controversy over potential exam irregularities, Pradeep Singh Kharola has been given the additional charge as the director general of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Previous NTA DG, Subodh Kumar Singh, has been removed and placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This decision comes after allegations of paper leaks in multiple exams conducted by NTA, such as the NEET and NET. However, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has denied any paper leak in the CSIR-UGC NET, which was postponed earlier this week.
NTA DG Controversy: Kharola Takes Charge Amidst Irregularity Allegations
Amidst growing controversy over potential exam irregularities, Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The move follows the removal and compulsory wait of the previous DG, Subodh Kumar Singh, by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Background
The NTA is responsible for conducting various national-level entrance examinations, including NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and NET (National Eligibility Test). In recent months, the agency has faced allegations of paper leaks in multiple exams.
Allegations of Paper Leaks
Concerns were raised about paper leaks in the NEET and NET exams. In the NEET exam held in September 2021, allegations surfaced that the question paper was leaked through an organized racket involving coaching centers and students. Similarly, the NET exam, scheduled for November 2021, was postponed due to suspicions of paper leakage.
NTA's Response
The NTA has denied allegations of paper leaks in the NEET exam. However, the agency did acknowledge that some unauthorized access to the question paper may have occurred in the NET exam. The agency has ordered an investigation into the matter.
Minister's Statement
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has denied any paper leak in the CSIR-UGC NET exam. He stated that the postponement of the exam was a precautionary measure to ensure fairness and transparency.
Appointment of New DG
Pradeep Singh Kharola, a retired IPS officer, has been given the additional charge as the NTA DG. Kharola has previously held senior positions in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
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