West Bengal Government Strengthens Exam Monitoring for Junior Doctors with Live Streaming and CCTV
West Bengal Government Strengthens Exam Monitoring for Junior Doctors with Live Streaming and CCTV
The West Bengal government has taken significant steps to ensure transparency in medical exams, implementing live streaming and CCTV surveillance for junior doctors’ exams. The West Bengal Health University will handle the live streaming, allowing university officials to monitor the exam in real-time. Additionally, CCTV cameras will oversee each examination center, recording from start to finish, with footage retained for one year. These measures aim to address the growing concerns of malpractice raised by students and officials.
Exam Monitoring for Transparency and Integrity
At a recent meeting between university officials and directors of various medical colleges, new guidelines were established to strengthen the monitoring of junior doctors’ exams. These decisions follow allegations made by junior doctors about unethical practices, including threats, bribery, and exam manipulation. During an earlier meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 21, junior doctors voiced their concerns, prompting her to assure strict oversight of the examination process to prevent any malpractice.
Daily CCTV Surveillance and Streaming
For each exam session, live streaming will only be accessible within the university premises for authorized personnel. Besides, CCTV footage from each test session will be sent to the university within three days after the examination. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension of exam results for the concerned institution. The video recordings will be kept for a minimum of one year to facilitate any future review or investigation.
Additional Exam Security Measures
In response to reports of malpractice, such as students using restrooms to cheat, strict new rules have been enforced. Invigilators will closely monitor students during restroom visits. Additionally, question papers will be downloaded one day before the exam, with the printing process closely monitored by authorized personnel and overseen by CCTV cameras. Only principals, directors, or designated officials will be allowed in the room during printing.
Police Presence and Pre-Exam Searches
To further enforce security, additional police officers will be deployed at examination centers, where every candidate will undergo a thorough security check. Only then will they be permitted to enter the exam hall, ensuring a controlled and fair environment.
Addressing Junior Doctors’ Concerns
This wave of reform comes after junior doctors held protests across the state, demanding better infrastructure and transparency in the healthcare system. They cited concerns over a “threat culture” in hospitals, including cases of exam manipulation and financial coercion. Aniket Mahato, a junior doctor leader, stated that the increased scrutiny would reveal those who rely on unethical means to pass exams. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded by promising stricter monitoring.
Impact on Exam Procedures and Future Actions
With these measures, the government aims to restore faith in the examination process and foster a transparent and merit-based evaluation system for medical professionals. This shift towards technology-enhanced monitoring sets a new standard for examination integrity in West Bengal’s medical colleges.
