Dehradun, 28 Sep: Although the results of the recently concluded Student Union Elections held in various universities and colleges across Uttarakhand have thrown up mixed outcomes, even so the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has emerged as the dominant force in numerous colleges and universities. The saffron flag flying high on campuses has infused tremendous enthusiasm among ABVP cadres, who claim the victory to be the triumph of students’ struggles and issues for which the organisation has been consistently active.
While every case of paper leak or cheating in competitive examinations remains a matter of grave concern, the preliminary inquiry into the present case does not appear to be an organised leak of question papers. Senior BJP legislator Munna Singh Chauhan, asserting the government’s position during a press conference yesterday, stated that the current case pertains to attempts at copying rather than a paper leak. However, with the appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) as well as a one-member judicial commission headed by Justice (Retired) UC Dhyani, the government needs to ensure a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved in the alleged malpractice in order to restore full public faith in the fairness of competitive examinations.
It may be noted that the present government has done far more than its predecessors to curb paper leaks and cheating. The recruitment of over 25,000 candidates in the past three years without any allegation of paper leaks stands as a credible achievement in this direction. Nevertheless, the government still needs to plug the remaining loopholes and strengthen safeguards to ensure that all future examinations are conducted in a fully transparent and fair manner.
The ABVP’s success meanwhile is being hailed within the organisation as a historic mandate. Leaders have expressed gratitude to students for their faith and pledged to work with renewed energy towards creating a constructive academic atmosphere while protecting student rights. ABVP leaders expressed gratitude towards the students for their faith and pledged to work with renewed energy and dedication towards creating a constructive academic atmosphere while safeguarding students’ rights. The organisation described this as not merely an electoral victory but also the beginning of a larger responsibility.
