The state secondary education board has written to centre secretaries to preserve CCTV footage of the examination centres for each day of Madhyamik “to maintain the highest standard of security, transparency and fairness throughout the examination process”.
“It is mandatory for all Madhyamik examination centres/ venues to preserve CCTV footage for each day of the Madhyamik Pariksha until the publication of the results. This measure is essential to maintain…..”, says a notification issued by the board’s secretary.
Madhyamik will be held from February 2 to 12.
There are around 2,700 centres.
The board had brought all the centres under the surveillance of the CCTV last year without formally specifying what would be the duration for the preservation of the footage.
“Last year we received queries about what would be the duration for the preservation of the footage. So this year we have specified so there is no ambiguity. The footage needs to be preserved so that we can resolve any dispute in case arises,” said Ramanuj Ganguly, the president of the board.
“Schools must not delete the footage until the publication of results”.
The notification says: “Ensure that the CCTV cameras are operational and recording continuously throughout from 8am to 5pm of the day of examination. Verify that your CCTV system has sufficient storage capacity to retain the footage of the entire duration of the examination and until the results are officially published”.
“Implement reliable backup procedures to prevent any data loss due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances”.
The notification emphasized on restricting access to the CCTV footage to “authorized person only”.
“The said recording should remain in the custody of the head of the institution/ centre secretary/ venue supervisor who shall be responsible for its custody and available in case….”
Swapan Mandal, of the Bengal Teachers’ and Employees Association, said: “The elaborate surveillance suggests the examination system lacked transparency. This is why the board wants to keep a watch on the officials whom it had engaged for the conduct of the examination through electronic surveillance”.
The board’s notification says: “This measure is crucial for effective monitoring and resolution of any incidents that may occur during the examination period. Your cooperation in adhering to this requirement will contribute to the overall success and credibility of Madhyamik....”