B. GS 2 Related

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Testing times

Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Mains: NEET scam

Context​: The recent cancellation of the UGC-NET examination by the National Testing Agency (NTA) highlights a growing crisis of credibility. This event follows a series of irregularities in major national exams like NEET-UG and JEE, placing the NTA under intense scrutiny. The Education Ministry’s proactive approach in this instance contrasts sharply with its handling of past issues, yet significant concerns remain unresolved.

Issues

Cancellation of UGC-NET Exam:

• Abrupt cancellation after initial declaration of successful conduct.
• Followed multiple allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and JEE exams.

Response Discrepancies:

• The Education Ministry acted on cybercrime inputs for UGC-NET without waiting for formal complaints.
• Contrastingly slow and convoluted response to NEET-UG issues despite substantial complaints and legal actions.

Impact on Candidates:

• Over nine lakh candidates were affected.
• Financial and emotional toll on students who prepared extensively and bore travel and accommodation costs.

Systemic Vulnerabilities:

• Shift from offline (CBSE conducted) to online format under NTA, reverting to offline mode this year.
• Offline exams are more susceptible to paper leaks and other malpractices.

Significance

Credibility of National Examinations:

• Trust in national testing bodies is crucial for educational and career progression.
• Persistent issues undermine the credibility of the NTA and by extension, the Education Ministry.

Impact on Students:

• Students’ academic futures and career opportunities are at stake.
• Financial burdens and emotional distress add to the pressure on candidates.

Political Ramifications:

• The NTA’s problems have become a significant political issue.
• Opposition demands the dismantling of NTA and decentralization of examination responsibilities to States.

Solutions

Transparency in Investigations:

• Conduct thorough and transparent investigations into the irregularities.
• Regular updates and clear communication with stakeholders, especially affected students.

Accountability and Punishment:

• Identify and punish those responsible for the malpractices.
• Implement strict measures to prevent recurrence.

System Overhaul:

• Revamp NTA’s systems and processes to enhance reliability and security.
• Invest in advanced technology to prevent technical glitches and malpractices.

Collaboration Between Centre and States:

• Engage State governments in the examination process to manage scale and logistics better.
• Develop a balanced approach where some exams are centrally managed while others are state-specific.

Nut Graf: The NTA’s current predicament calls for immediate and comprehensive reforms to restore its credibility. Ensuring the integrity of national examinations is paramount, impacting not only the futures of millions of students but also the nation’s educational standards.

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. A progressive Indian policy on Myanmar outlined

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: India – Myanmar Relations 

Context:​ Three years after the military coup in Myanmar, which overthrew the elected civilian government in February 2021, the regime continues its violent oppression. India has maintained formal relations with this regime despite widespread atrocities. This policy, defended on grounds of national interest, needs a reassessment to better align with both India’s values and strategic interests.

Issues

Continued Military Repression in Myanmar:

• Over 5,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since the coup.
• India’s formal relations with the military regime raise ethical and strategic concerns.

Limited Engagement with Pro-Democracy Forces:

• India’s limited support for the pro-democracy resistance.
• The need to balance national interests with values in foreign policy.

Weapon Sales and Humanitarian Concerns:

• India’s sale of military hardware to the junta.
• The humanitarian crisis along the India-Myanmar border.

Significance

Balancing Values and Interests:

• Reassessing India’s narrow strategic focus to include democratic values.
• Leveraging India’s democratic credentials to influence Myanmar positively.

Enhancing Regional Influence:

• Differentiating India from China through support for democratic processes.
• Strengthening India’s regional leadership by promoting stability and human security.

Solutions

Leveraging Democratic Credentials:

• Promote India’s federal democratic model as a guide for Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement.
• Support the National Unity Government (NUG) and other democratic forces through capacity-building and knowledge exchange programs.

Halting Weapon Sales:

• Immediately cease all military sales to the Myanmar junta.
• Redirect efforts towards non-lethal support for humanitarian purposes.

Establishing Humanitarian Corridors:

• Open cross-border humanitarian corridors in Sagaing Region, Chin State, and northern Rakhine State.
• Revoke plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and reinstate the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
• Collaborate with NGOs and use best practices from Thailand for effective aid delivery.

Protecting Asylum Seekers:

• Halt the detention and deportation of Myanmar asylum seekers.
• Provide humanitarian assistance and protection to refugees in line with international law and the Indian Constitution.
• Advocate for the release and humane treatment of detained refugees in Assam.

Nut Graf: India’s Myanmar policy needs a progressive overhaul that prioritizes democratic values and human security while safeguarding national interests. By leveraging its democratic credentials, halting weapon sales, establishing humanitarian corridors, and protecting asylum seekers, India can effectively support Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement and enhance its regional influence.