NEET, NET Paper-Leak Row: Who is NTA director general Subodh Kumar Singh, removed over exam irregularities

The government has removed Subodh Kumar Singh from his position as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) following allegations of irregularities in the NEET and NET competitive exams. This decision came just hours after the formation of a high-level committee led by a former ISRO chief to ensure fair examination practices.

Investigation Transferred to CBI

In addition to the leadership change at the NTA, the government has transferred the investigation of alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move follows a similar investigation into the UGC-NET exam conducted by the NTA.

Education Minister Acknowledges Failures

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged institutional failures, stating, "I have already said there has been an institutional failure. I have taken responsibility. NTA’s leadership is under scrutiny for numerous issues. Accidents happen, and we will investigate the root cause."

Interim Replacement Appointed

Pradeep Singh Kharola, the chairperson and managing director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has been given the additional charge of NTA until a permanent replacement is appointed. Kharola, a retired 1985 batch officer, was previously brought in to expedite the Pragati Maidan project.

Who is Subodh Kumar Singh?

Subodh Kumar Singh, a native of Uttar Pradesh, holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Before joining NTA, he served in various capacities in the Chhattisgarh Secretariat and the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Despite allegations of corruption against the Raman Singh government in Chhattisgarh, Subodh Kumar held significant positions, including in the Chief Minister’s Office. He received national awards for excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and for digital transformation through transparency in mineral auctions.

The removal of Subodh Kumar Singh and the transfer of investigations to the CBI signal a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and NET exams. The government's actions aim to ensure transparency and fairness in these critical national-level examinations.

(With inputs from TOI)