New Delhi, Sept. 18: The Supreme Court on Friday said it may personally inspect the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters to ascertain whether systems introduced to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations are actually in place and functioning, while seeking a progress report on the work of the Nandan Nilekani-led task force constituted to recommend examination reforms.
A bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe directed the Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training, who is coordinating with the High-Powered Committee, to file within two weeks an affidavit detailing the progress made by the panel.
The bench was informed that the NTA now has permanent office space near Minto Road in New Delhi. Indicating that the judges wanted to assess the institutional arrangements on the ground, Justice Narasimha said, “We will come there one day, myself and my brother,” adding, “We’ll come and see whether the system is actually in place, whether it is working or not working, manpower, all these things.”
The court also stressed the need for greater institutional stability within the NTA, observing that at least 50 per cent of its staff should be permanent rather than the organisation being dependent largely on officers drawn on deputation.
The bench sought clarity on the NTA’s working relationship with other institutions, the manner in which data and systems were being coordinated, and whether statutory backing would be required to strengthen the examination framework.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Nilekani-led task force had undertaken extensive consultations and was expected to submit its report by the end of September.
The bench, however, emphasised that recommendations by the Nilekani panel must move beyond committee reports and translate into institutional changes. “Consideration of the recommendations and their implementation is the most important part,” the court underscored.
Referring to the earlier Radhakrishnan Committee report, it said implementation of expert recommendations was important and it should not remain on paper.
The court said it would examine the suggestions once the affidavit on the task force’s progress was placed before it and would thereafter consider the further course of action.
The proceedings arose from a batch of petitions filed in the backdrop of question-paper leaks connected with NEET, seeking wide-ranging reforms in the examination system.
The pleas include demands for restructuring or replacing the NTA, introduction of digital locking of question papers, transition to computer-based testing, publication of centre-wise results to identify anomalies, and creation of a statutory national testing body with stronger oversight and accountability.
Pramod kumar is a Senior Journalist, Covering Supreem Court of India
