SSLC question paper leak: Vigilance to do math

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has recommended a Vigilance probe into the leakage of SSLC mathematics question paper. This follows the recommendation made by general education secretary Usha Titus  for a detailed investigation into the nexus between the teachers who set the question papers and private tuition centres in the state. The examinations were cancelled and re-test was conducted after it was found that the SSLC mathematics question paper was similar to the one set by a  private institution in Malappuram.

Ms Titus in the report submitted to education minister C. Raveendranath pointed out that the inquiry could not establish any direct connection between Mr  G. Sujith Kumar, who set the SSLC question paper, and private agency Malabar Education Research Institute (MERIT) based at Thottumukkom,  Areekode. However, Mr Kumar  had given a statement that the questions were based  on the question pool of the SCERT available on their website. The question had close resemblance to the  test series held in schools in December.

The report  wanted that the teachers should be given only a maximum of three days to prepare the question papers. Questions should be only from textbooks rather than depending on any other sources, the report pointed out. They should not have access to mobile phones or internet or other resources while preparing the question papers. The report also suggested that the teachers’ organisations should be kept out of the job for preparing model question papers for the higher  secondary examinations.

The report is  based on the statements of Attingal native G. Sujith Kumar, who prepared the question paper,  T.V. Prakashan, a Kozhikode-based teacher, who prepares questions for private agencies, MERIT founder  Raveendran, his son K.S. Vinod,  a teacher at the CPPM higher secondary school, Vellachal, Tirur, employee Raveendran and Maths examinations chairman K.G. Vasu. However, their  statements lacked clarity  and hence a comprehensive inquiry was needed, the report said.