CBSE paper leak: Students, parents take to streets against re-exam, say it's 'pure torture'

As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced re-examination of the leaked papers, students and parents took to streets to voice their protest against the authorities concerned in the matter and said that it was "pure torture".

"My son, who just completed his Class X maths exam, almost broke down when he heard the news of a retest. This, in a way, is pure torture," Chandigarh Newsline quoted a parent.

A day after the Central Board of Secondary Education announced that students would have to take re-test for Class-X mathematics and Class-XII economics subjects, a group of agitated students and their parents on Thursday gathered outside the CBSE office in Sector 5, Panchkula to stage protest against the same.

However, the furious crowd of over 50 people returned disappointed after they were informed about the absence of government officials on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

"This is our first encounter with corruption and the reality of adult life. It is unfair that we have to pay the price for our government’s inability to curb this malpractice. My family had a vacation planned and all set and after this announcement, we had to cancel all our bookings and plans as well," said an annoyed student, who took part in the protest.

The decision of the re-test came after the Class 10 mathematics and Class 12 economics papers allegedly got leaked on WhatsApp. The official notification of the second test is currently available on the website, which is cbse.nic.in. The exams would be re-conducted just after all the Class 10 and Class 12 tests get over on April 4 and April 12 respectively.

Earlier on Thursday, CBSE Chairperson Anita Karwal said that the decision to hold re-examination of two subjects was taken in favour of the students and the new dates for the tests would be announced soon.

Reacting to the paper leak issue, the Congress demanded the sacking of Karwal for alleged lapse.

The opposition party also sought the resignation of Human Resource Minister Prakash Javadekar and a probe by a high court judge.

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Javadekar termed the CBSE examination paper leak issue as unfortunate and said the culprits would not go scot-free.

The matter would be thoroughly probed as it has stained the reputation of the CBSE, which is known for conducting examinations fairly, he told PTI.

The minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the issue ‘very seriously’.

A source said Javadekar had two rounds of meeting with the top officials, including Karwal, during the day regarding the issue.

The Delhi unit of All India Democratic Students' Organisation also demanded a high-level probe into the CBSE question paper leak case, and said it showed the board's "utter negligence" in conducting examinations fairly.

The crime branch of Delhi police has already questioned more than 30 people, including owner of a coaching centre, 18 students and some tutors, in connection with the alleged leak of CBSE examination papers.

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#CBSEPaperLeak: Over 30 people have been questioned by Police, most of whom either study or teach at coaching centres. Over a dozen mobile phones belonging to these people have also been seized. #Delhi

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018

A special investigation team comprising two deputy commissioners of police, four assistant commissioners of police and five inspectors has been set up to investigate the matter. The team is being directly supervised by the joint commissioner of police.