LAHORE: Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Thursday inspected an examination centre in Mozang and had eight officials arrested for allegedly facilitating cheating by candidates during annual class IX examinations.

The minister inspected the City District Government High School in Mozang where his undercover team discovered students involved in cheating in the presence of the in-charge and invigilators of the examination centre.

The minister ordered the police to arrest the eight officials, including four private invigilators and two in-charges, and sealed the examination centre.

During the inspection, candidates complained about the conduct of the invigilators and in-charges, stating that the invigilators offered them the use of unfair means by paying money. Over 500 students stated that the invigilators demanded bribes of Rs30,000 for the paper and Rs20,000 for MCQs.

Mr Hayat assured students that their concerns would be addressed, and the morale of those playing with students’ futures would be shattered. He said the teams conducted surprise inspections of the examination centres throughout the province and strict action would be taken in response to any complaints.

The Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) chairman constituted an inquiry committee and directed it to submit a report within three days.

The minister also visited Deo Samaj Road and Lawrence Road centres. He also checked students’ answer sheets and witnessed the distribution of papers to students who had travelled from distant areas.

He reprimanded the administration for irregular arrangements in some schools. He engaged with students to discuss school-related issues and exchanged ideas for improvement. He said the government was taking measures to provide standardized facilities to students and they would also get suggestions from students.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2024