New Delhi, July 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend comprehensive reforms aimed at making India’s examination system more transparent, reliable and technology-driven.
The Prime Minister said the recommendations of the task force would guide the government in implementing measures to strengthen the credibility of future examinations.
The announcement comes a day after nationwide student protests over alleged examination paper leaks concluded following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a video message, Prime Minister Modi said the government has been taking continuous steps to safeguard the future of students.
“Those who tampered with the future of students are already behind bars. We have established fast-track courts and are moving towards introducing new legislation in Parliament with stringent legal provisions against examination malpractices,” he said.
Emphasising the need for long-term reforms, the Prime Minister said the examination system must be trustworthy, transparent and make effective use of modern technology.
“Keeping these objectives in mind, we have decided to constitute a high-powered task force under the leadership of globally renowned technology expert Nandan Nilekani. Based on its recommendations, the government will take prompt steps to enhance the credibility of upcoming examinations,” he added.
According to an official statement, the task force will include former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi formally assumed additional charge as the Union Minister for Education after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on X, Joshi thanked Prime Minister Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“Today, I assumed charge as the Union Minister for Education. I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for placing his faith in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept it with humility and a deep sense of duty,” he wrote.
Joshi, who continues to serve as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, takes charge of the Education Ministry at a time when it faces heightened public and political scrutiny over alleged irregularities in several competitive examinations and growing demands for greater transparency and accountability.
