Nandan Nilekani to Head New Task Force on Exam Reforms Amidst National Protests

In a significant move to address the ongoing crisis in the education sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys. This initiative aims to revamp the examination system in India, ensuring its credibility in the wake of escalating public discontent regarding the management of competitive tests.

The announcement was made via a social media video on Sunday, just a day after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His departure came amid widespread protests demanding accountability and better management of examination processes across various states. These protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party, highlighted the growing frustration among students and parents due to perceived mismanagement and corruption in public examinations.

Prime Minister Modi stated that the task force’s recommendations will be implemented promptly to restore faith in the examination system. He emphasized the urgency of the reforms, noting that the credibility of future examinations must be ensured without delay. The task force, under Nilekani’s leadership, is expected to propose actionable steps to reform the examination process, making it more transparent and efficient.

In conjunction with this announcement, Modi also mentioned that the Union government would introduce a new legislative measure in Parliament aimed at combating unfair practices in public examinations. The proposed 2026 Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Amendment Bill seeks to impose severe penalties, including imprisonment of five to ten years for those caught employing dishonest means. Additionally, the bill proposes to raise the maximum fine for such offenses from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, reflecting the government’s commitment to curbing examination malpractices.

The recent developments signify a pivotal moment for India’s education system, as the government strives to address the concerns raised by students and stakeholders. By entrusting Nandan Nilekani with this critical task, the Modi administration appears to be prioritizing educational integrity and reform, amid a backdrop of growing unrest among young citizens.

Source: scroll.in