Mumbai: In a first, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced the use of drone surveillance to monitor sensitive examination centers during the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.
This initiative is part of the board’s broader ‘copy-free campaign,’ aimed at ensuring the integrity of the examination process and preventing malpractices across the state.
Of the approximately 8,500 examination centers, 500 have been identified as sensitive based on previous instances of malpractice. The decision to implement drone surveillance was made following a meeting of education officials.
According to a government resolution (GR), “Under the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan, the Maharashtra Government and the Board are committed to conducting the Std. 12 and Std. 10 examinations in a copy-free, fear-free, and disciplined environment under the guidance of the Education Minister.”
In addition to drone surveillance, authorities will enforce the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, 1982. Under this legislation, individuals found guilty of aiding or abetting examination malpractices will face cognizable and non-bailable charges.
To further strengthen security, all Xerox centers within a 500-meter radius of examination centers will remain closed during the examination period, and Section 144 will be enforced in the vicinity of the centers to prevent unlawful gatherings.
To enhance monitoring, center directors and examination supervisors will be tracked using Facial Recognition Systems. Additionally, all personnel involved in examination-related duties will be issued official identity cards by the Divisional Board. The board has also planned the deployment of both flying squads and stationed squads at all examination centers to ensure strict compliance with regulations.
The Class 10 board examinations are scheduled to begin on February 21 and conclude on March 17, 2025. Similarly, the Class 12 examinations will take place from February 11 to March 11, 2025.
