Bengaluru, DHNS: The state government has decided to stop storing question papers of public examinations such as SSLC and PU in taluk treasuries in the coming days as part of measures to prevent paper leaks.

Instead, question papers will be stored only in strongrooms of district treasuries, which have better security. A decision to this effect was taken based on a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe that traced cases of question paper leak in the past to taluk treasuries. Besides, discretionary powers of the Treasury Director to release question papers in advance, has been removed.

The CID, which conducted an investigation into the PU chemistry paper leak last year, had traced the leak to a treasury at Hangal taluk of Haveri district. A second division assistant at the treasury office was reportedly involved in the illegal act.

The culprit had gained entry into the strongroom and taken photographs of the question paper using his mobile phone in the absence of proper security. The investigation had found a similar case of paper leak in the past in a taluk treasury.

Director of Treasury department K P Jyoti said the CID investigation has found taluk treasuries vulnerable.

“Security is a major issue at taluk treasuries. Round-the-clock security has to be ensured for question papers. So, the government has decided to store question papers only at district treasuries with proper security arrangements from this year,” she added.

Once the question papers are printed, they are normally safeguarded in strongrooms of government treasuries till the examinations are held. Question papers have to be handed over to the examination-conducting authority only one hour before the scheduled time of the examination according to the Karnataka Treasury Code. However, papers are released in advance if the examination centres are located in far-flung places after obtaining special permission.

Powers curtailed

The government has recently amended Article 18(a) of the Treasury Code, removing the discretionary powers of the director to release papers in advance. Now, the papers will be released in advance only if the examination-conducting authorities make a written requisition in this regard. A committee headed by a deputy commissioner will decide whether the requisition for early release is genuine or not, she added.

CCTVs in district treasuries

The government will instal closed-circuit television cameras at all district treasuries shortly to monitor the movement of people. The Department of Pre-University Education has come forward to instal cameras. This apart, the Home Department has been requested to provide round-the-clock security at all treasuries during examinations, Jyoti said.

Preventing

Government will not store question papers in taluk treasuries in coming days.

Question papers will be stored only in district treasuries.

Discretionary power of Director of Treasuries to release question paper in advance removed.