Sindh Government to Implement Modern Watermarking System to Curb Exam Cheating
The Sindh government has announced a decisive move to implement a modern watermarking system aimed at preventing cheating in examinations. This innovative system is designed to immediately trace those responsible for leaking exam papers, ensuring greater integrity in the assessment process. The announcement was made by Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahu, during a crucial meeting held at the office of the universities and boards department secretary to discuss preparations for the upcoming academic year examinations.
Meeting Details and Attendees
The meeting, which focused on comprehensive exam preparations, was attended by key officials including Muhammad Abbas Baloch, the Secretary of the Universities and Boards Department, and chairmen of various educational boards such as Faqir Muhammad Lakho, Syed Alamdaar Raza, and Nawaz Sohoo. During the session, participants reviewed in detail the security measures for examination centers, covering aspects like furniture arrangements, drinking water availability, electricity supply, and anti-cheating protocols. Additionally, briefings were provided on the procurement of examination materials, tender processes, and budget allocations to ensure smooth operations.
Minister's Directives and Warnings
Minister Ismail Rahu issued strict directives to all board chairmen, emphasizing the need to utilize all available resources for the transparent and timely conduct of examinations. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated, making it clear that if any exam paper was leaked, strict action would be taken against the chairman of the concerned board. This firm stance underscores the government's commitment to maintaining the credibility of the examination system in Sindh.
Examination Schedule and Student Participation
According to Minister Rahu, a total of 1,353,258 students from classes nine to 12 across Sindh are set to participate in the examinations, which will commence next month on April 7. To accommodate this large number of examinees, more than 1,600 examination centers have been established throughout the province. The schedule varies by region: in Karachi, exams for classes 9 and 10 will begin on April 7, while those for classes 11 and 12 will start on April 25. In the Sukkur division, exams for classes 9 and 10 are scheduled to begin on March 30, with classes 11 and 12 exams starting on April 15.
E-Marking Implementation and Additional Measures
The provincial minister highlighted the adoption of e-marking systems in certain divisions to enhance efficiency and accuracy. In Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad divisions, all examinations will be conducted under e-marking, while in the Larkana board, eight papers from classes nine to 12 will utilize this technology. In Karachi, all class nine exams and two matriculation papers will also be conducted through e-marking. Furthermore, a provincial-level complaint cell will be established in the Universities and Boards secretary office to monitor examination centers and vigilance teams, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Security and Facility Enhancements
To bolster security, mobile phones will be banned in all examination centers, and Section 144 will be enforced to maintain order. Minister Rahu also instructed that issues related to drinking water, furniture, and other basic facilities in examination centers be resolved immediately. Letters will be sent to Hesco, K-Electric, and other relevant institutions to ensure there is no load shedding during the exams, guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply for a smooth examination process.
