HPU VC constitutes inquiry committee after viral video shows answer sheets on roadside

Taking strong cognisance of a recent viral video in which answer sheets of Government College, Sanjauli were seen lying on the roadside, Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. He has also directed the committee to submit a detailed report at the earliest.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held on Monday under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor. During the meeting, he sought details of the incident and obtained clarifications from the concerned officials.

Prof. Singh said that maintaining the confidentiality, fairness and transparency of the examination process is the top priority of the university administration. He directed officials to ensure that all examination-related work is carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed rules and standards, with utmost care and responsibility.

He further said the university has been taking measures from time to time to ensure exam confidentiality. “As a result, the credibility of the examination system has been maintained, and no such incident has occurred so far that could raise questions over its integrity,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor asserted that the university remains committed to further strengthening the examination system and making it more transparent and reliable.

Recently, a bundle of answer sheets was found unattended on a roadside in Sanjauli. The incident was recorded in videos by several students, which went viral on social media and drew criticism from students, who questioned the confidentiality of the examination process. Students said annual examinations were underway at the college and that answer sheets were being transported in buses also used by students.

The issue was also raised by SFI activists, who alleged that answer sheets were being treated carelessly, calling it negligence that could compromise students’ futures.

SFI activists further stated that the university has only one bus designated for securely transporting answer sheets. “Traditionally, answer sheets are transported with strict confidentiality using this bus. However, now they are being transported in regular student buses, while the university has not taken steps to procure additional secrecy buses,” they said.

Students also raised concerns about the evaluation process, alleging that colleges are now selecting evaluation centres themselves and conducting assessment at their convenience, whereas earlier answer sheets were sent to universities outside the state for evaluation.