New Delhi - The Indian government ousted Subodh Kumar Singh from his role as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) amid allegations of irregularities during the NEET and NET exams. This decision swiftly followed the establishment of a high-level committee, headed by a former ISRO chief, tasked with ensuring fair examination practices.
Investigation Handover to CBI
In addition to the leadership change at NTA, the government has transferred the probe into suspected irregularities during the NEET-UG exam, conducted on May 5, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move mirrors a similar investigation initiated for the UGC-NET exam administered by the NTA.
Education Minister Admits Failures
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged institutional shortcomings, stating, "There has been an institutional failure. I take full responsibility. NTA’s leadership is under scrutiny for multiple issues. Mistakes were made, and we are committed to uncovering their root causes."
Interim Replacement Named
Pradeep Singh Kharola, presently serving as the chairperson and managing director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has been appointed as interim head of NTA until a permanent successor is appointed. Kharola, a retired 1985 batch officer, previously oversaw the expedited development of the Pragati Maidan project.
Who is Subodh Kumar Singh?
Subodh Kumar Singh, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Prior to his tenure at NTA, he held various significant roles in the Chhattisgarh Secretariat and the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Despite facing corruption allegations linked to the Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh, Subodh Kumar Singh was recognized for his contributions, including excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and spearheading digital transformation initiatives in mineral auctions.
The removal of Subodh Kumar Singh and the referral of investigations to the CBI mark a pivotal development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and NET exams. These governmental actions underscore the commitment to upholding transparency and fairness in these crucial national-level examinations.