Karnataka: CID to probe Pre-University Chemistry paper leak, re-exam on March 29

Bengaluru: Some 2,19,000 students across the state had appeared for the Pre University Chemistry examination on Monday. And now, because of a handful of corrupt Education Department officials, all 2,19,000 have to sit for a re-examination on March 29, announced Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar.

The minister told the Legislative Council on Tuesday, said as many as 36 of the 37 questions were leaked. He also admitted that he did not have faith in an inquiry by his department  and  requested the home department to hold a parallel inquiry into the matter to make sure the culprits did not get away.

Parents, students protest
Hundreds of parents and students tried to lay siege to the PU Board office in Malleswaram and gherao Board Director Pallavi Akurathi over the chemistry question paper leak, on Tuesday. A few protesting parents asked the PU Board not to hold the re-exam and not to inconvenience genuine students, while a few others wanted a re-examination and immediate action against the culprits.

As the protesters tried to enter the board office, tensed moments prevailed for some time. Malleswaram police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd.
The parents and students shouted slogans against the PU Board and its director Ms Akurathi. She justified the PU Board decision to hold the re-exam, saying it will give justice to genuine students and those who are against it can approach the state government as decision was taken at the government level.

A few students and parents opposed re-examination on March 29, saying the Kannada exam is scheduled on March 28. Officials told them that they would look into the issue.

Maths: Decision on grace marks today
Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra, along with Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar and the department officials will decide if grace marks can be awarded to II PU mathematics paper, where more than 15 marks questions had appeared out of syllabus. The issue was raised in the Assembly on Tuesday by Tumkur MLA Dr Rafiq Ahamed. BJP member Suresh Kumar said that the government has decided to conduct re-examination for chemistry after the question paper was leaked. The government should either think of providing the students grace marks or conduct re-examination for mathematics along with chemistry, as it concerns the future of children, he said. Mr Jayachandra said that he will take a decision within a day.