High powered committee to inquire JEE allegations

KOHIMA: Nagaland government today formed a High Power Committee (HPC) to inquire into the alleged irregularities, lapses and loopholes into the process for conduct of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and selection of candidates for various technical courses through Common Selection Board ( CSB).

The five-member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary, C J Ponraj, would suggest measures for streamlining the whole process and submit its report to the government within a period of one month.

The terms of reference for the committee is to inquire into the alleged irregularities, lapses and loopholes in the conduct of All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) by Central Board of School Education and subsequent Nagaland State Pre-Medical Test (NSPMT) by Nagaland Board of School Education and final selection of candidates for MBBS, BDS, agriculture and allied courses through Common Selection Board and coordinated by the Directorate of Technical Education during 2014.

The committee would also suggest measures for streamlining and improving the existing working system of CSB and the process for conduct of JEE like Central JEE (Main), AIPMT, NSPMT or any other entrance tests for selection of candidates for technical courses like engineering, medical, agriculture and allied courses for which seats are allocated to the State by the Government of India, North Eastern Council or any other source.

On October 21, All Nagaland College Students' Union (ANCSU) while reaffirming its allegation against State Department of Technical Education for "serious irregularities and loopholes" had warned to stage mass agitation if the government fails to constitute HPC within six days.