Politics · India Bureau
Parliamentary panel urges rally ban on exam days to protect test takers
A parliamentary committee has recommended that district administrations prohibit public rallies, processions and gatherings on days when major competitive examinations are conducted. The measure aims to prevent disruptions to candidates and ensure adequate traffic and security arrangements.
LSN India ·
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports has called for strict restrictions on public events during crucial examination schedules as part of broader reforms to strengthen the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In its report submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman on Friday, the committee, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik, highlighted concerns that rallies and processions on examination days could delay candidates and cause them to miss reporting times. The recommendations stress the need for district administrations to coordinate in advance to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain law and order without external disruptions affecting test takers.
The committee's recommendations emerge following significant controversy surrounding examination conduct and administrative failures at the NTA. The issues sparked nationwide student protests and led to the resignation of the then-education minister earlier this year.
The report is part of a comprehensive review aimed at overhauling the NTA's operational framework and governance structures. Addressing examination integrity and candidate welfare have become focal points in the ongoing reform process, with the committee emphasizing the need for systematic measures to prevent avoidable disruptions during high-stakes testing events.