Mass copying in Pune during HSC exam center; 9 teachers booked

Despite launching the “Copy Mukt Abhiyan” in the state, the Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) discovered invigilators aiding and abetting mass cheating in Jawahar Junior College, Kedgaon, Daund on the sixth day of the ongoing HSC board exam.

A case of mass copying was discovered by the Pune Zilla Parishad flying squad at Jawahar Vidyalaya and a junior college in Kedgaon, Daund. An FIR has been filed against nine teachers suspected of assisting and abetting mass cheating in the Class XII Board physics exam.

According to the report, when the flying squad arrived at the center for a surprise visit, a large amount of copy material was seen thrown around the classrooms while two students were caught cheating red-handed. The material included photocopies of pages, textbooks, etc. It was observed that some of the invigilators were not present on the spot, whereas the invigilators present at the center were not doing their job properly. “A special online training was conducted for 15,000 invigilators, and clear instructions were given to them. ‘Copy Mukta Abhiyan’ was launched to ensure there was no such incident reported” said the Pune Zilla Parishad officials.

The Pune ZP also gave schools study guides, exam paper analyses, and mock test materials to help students perform better academically. Nonetheless, on Monday alone, 50 instances of malpractice were reported around the state.

Flying squad head Kisan Bhujbal registered an FIR with the Yawat Police late on Monday against the director, deputy director, and seven other professors who were in charge of screening students at the entrance.

The class 12 board exam of the Maharashtra State Board, is currently underway from February 21 to March 27.