With the annual Secondary School Certificate (SSC) part-I and II exams scheduled to begin on May 8 in Karachi, the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) Chairman, Syed Sharaf Ali Shah, has urged the authorities to impose Section 144 of the criminal procedure code around the examination centres to prevent the use of unfair means during the exams.
Addressing a press conference, Syed Sharaf Ali Shah said that the board has requested the authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity in the city during the examinations. He also revealed that over 0.39 million candidates will appear in the exams this year, with 524 examination centres established to facilitate the candidates. Out of the total number of centres, 245 centres have been set up for female candidates.
In a bid to ensure transparency, Shah disclosed that 97 vigilance teams have been formed to monitor and visit the examination centres during the exams. Additionally, 19 hubs have been formed in different areas from where the examination papers will be transported to the centres across the metropolis.
Despite the request to outsource the papers, Shah explained that it is not possible for the board to do so, hence the need for a strong imposition of Section 144. Section 144 of the criminal procedure code is a law that is implemented to prohibit the gathering of more than four people in an area. The law has been implemented in Karachi in the past to prevent protests, and the authorities hope to utilize it to prevent cheating during the matric exams.
Cheating during exams has been an issue in Pakistan for years, with many students using unfair means to pass their exams. The use of modern technology has also made it easier for students to cheat during exams. In recent years, several high-profile cheating cases have been reported, prompting authorities to take measures to curb the practice.
To prevent cheating, the BSEK has implemented several measures, such as the formation of vigilance teams and the establishment of examination centres. Additionally, students are required to submit their mobile phones before entering the examination halls to prevent the use of unfair means. Despite these measures, cases of cheating continue to be reported, necessitating the need for more stringent measures.
According to reports, the BSEK is also exploring the use of biometric technology to prevent cheating during exams. The technology involves the use of fingerprints and facial recognition to identify students and prevent impersonation. The use of biometric technology has been successful in curbing cheating in other countries, and it is hoped that it will be effective in Pakistan as well.
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In conclusion, the imposition of Section 144 around the examination centres is a step in the right direction in preventing cheating during the matric exams. However, more needs to be done to prevent cheating, such as the implementation of biometric technology. The use of technology can go a long way in ensuring the integrity of the exams and preventing students from using unfair means to pass. The authorities should also work to create awareness among students about the importance of honesty and hard work in achieving success, rather than relying on unfair means. By doing so, they can help to build a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan.
