Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered task force on examination reforms under the leadership of technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, saying its recommendations would be used to strengthen the credibility of upcoming examinations through greater use of technology and systemic reforms.
In a video post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. Those who tampered with the students’ future are languishing in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards enacting new legislation in Parliament that incorporates stringent legal provisions.”
Emphasising the need to modernise the examination system, he added, “However, we must look to the future. Our examination system needs to be reliable and transparent, and it must make maximum use of technology. Keeping all these factors in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of the world-renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani.”
The Prime Minister said the panel would recommend reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the country’s examination system.
“This task force will focus on examination reforms, and based on its report, steps will be taken to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations at the earliest,” he said.
According to an official statement, the multidisciplinary task force will comprise former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena, besides Nilekani.
The panel has been tasked with suggesting structural reforms and greater integration of technology in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Meanwhile, Pralhad Joshi assumed additional charge as the Union Education Minister on Sunday.
In a post on X, Joshi said, “Today, I assumed charge as the Union Minister for Education. I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for placing his faith in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept it with humility and a deep sense of duty.”
(With agency inputs)
