Odisha Minister Orders Probe Into Viral Audio About Malpractice In HSC Exams

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister has ordered a probe into an audio tape that purportedly featuring conversation between a teacher and the guardian of a student trying to strike a deal for help during the ongoing HSC examination went viral on Saturday.

The audio is alleged to have originated from Nimapada area of Odisha’s Puri district. The area is represented by School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash.

In the audio, the guardian is heard asking the alleged teacher for favour to a student in an examination centre in Nimapada area. The favour is allegedly sought for allowing the student to adopt malpractice.

Talking to media, the Minister said, “We need to know the veracity of the audio. I got to know of the audio in the noon.”

He added that he has directed the chairperson of the Board of Secondary Education, Cuttack, to look into the matter and submit a report within three days.

It may be noted that the School and Mass Education department has taken various measures including installation of CCTVs at examination centres and mobile squads to check malpractices and to ensure free and fair examinations.