Reader’s Questions and Author’s Answers

That your e-paper, Orangenews9, is being widely read and debated, and that readers’ questions are answered without any prejudice, reflects the good journalism that your digital media platform follows. Such engagement is essential in any healthy democracy, and Bharat is no exception.

Renowned scientist and columnist Dr R.K. Chadha recently wrote an article, Will the 2026 anti-paper leak law end exam fraud? – OrangeNews9, that has generated considerable interest among Orangenews9 readers. One reader chose to raise certain questions, and the author readily agreed to respond point by point.         —EDITOR

Mr. Ravi has raised some very pertinent questions, some of which have no definite answers. Nevertheless, I offer my responses below:

1. Speedy trial and conviction; shift the NEET examination to the IIT-JEE pattern from next year; and seek a speedy report, say within 3-4 months, from the Task Force appointed by the Prime Minister.
2. A very difficult question. A true measure of integrity is reflected only through action. I feel that once the idea gains momentum, it will grow, perhaps after a few hiccups, as Gen Z takes over—not the cockroach type, but the one that launch Vikram missions into space or builds startups in the country. A generational change will occur, as I believe Gen Z is more honest and straightforward; they just need to channelise their energies in the right direction.
3. Creating new bodies is not the solution.
4. Yes. AI can play a major role. Expert opinion should be sought.
5. Encryption is a part of digital data transmission.
6. A centralised security system will work better. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
7. Without exception, individuals, institutions, coaching centres, and syndicates caught leaking examination papers should be penalised as per the new law.
8. To encourage honesty initially, until the system becomes foolproof, a reward in the form of recognition—say, a token cash award and a shawl presented by the Education Minister—to the top ten most honest officials, or a recommendation for departmental merit promotion, would be appropriate. For students, succeeding through their own hard work is itself the greatest reward. They should get what they deserve.
9. Yes. A three-month period, as envisaged in the new law, is appropriate.
10. Investigation reports and security audit summaries should be made public within three months after the examination.
11. A student’s efforts, once an examination is cancelled, are an irreversible loss. Any compensation has no meaning. The disease of paper leaks needs total eradication.
12. Yes. India’s specific problem of paper leaks needs to be tackled through indigenous examination security technologies, where all data remains within the country.
13. My suggestion would be a one-day workshop twice a year, along with an oath to uphold honesty and safeguard the future of our students. This is a better option than any training course. Twice a year is important because long gaps develop fatigue and lethargy. It serves as a reminder that paper leakages affect all of us. Prolonged training on such topics often becomes a recreational exercise.
14. As I said earlier, technology is the solution to most of our problems, and using AI is definitely a necessary option.
15. Good question. This will help identify weak points in the system that require attention.
16. This question overlaps with the previous one. Using technology is the need of the hour to plug loopholes, which will continue to emerge because of hackers. It is like Tom and Jerry fighting for one-upmanship while trying to steal a piece of cheese. The system needs continuous upgrading.
17. Laws cannot be changed periodically, though amendments can be made as new technology emerges.
18. The most important factors are parental guidance and interactions with peers, teachers, and elders within one’s social circle. Shaming cheaters can also be an effective tool.
19. This is the most difficult question because people hesitate, as everybody wants to be politically correct. In my opinion, the reservation policy in education needs to be revisited to give greater importance to merit. It should be debated in Parliament, on social platforms, and in seminars involving the government and other stakeholders. I would like to begin that discussion with the following two suggestions:

1. i) One family, one reservation. As one family rises, it becomes its responsibility to help other members of the family. Once one family has benefited, let other families climb the social ladder.
2. ii) One-time reservation policy, with the option to avail the benefit either for education, jobs, or promotions—not all three. If somebody in the family becomes an IAS or IPS officer, or secures any government position through reservation, the family should no longer be eligible for reservation benefits. The choice should be left to the family. There should be no appeasement as part of political promises by governments.

Remember, when merit wins, the country wins. Reward ability, and the whole nation rises.

1. Indicators to measure the success of a policy are:

1. i) Faster convictions with penalties as promised in the new law;
2. ii) Fewer cases of paper leaks;

iii) Examinations being conducted on time and as scheduled; and

1. iv) Fewer reports of impersonation, fake websites, and mass protests.

I have answered all the questions to the best of my ability. I am sure there are still some open and loose ends that need to be addressed as time progresses. Thank you for asking these questions, as this is the only way to keep a society vibrant and on the right path.