The Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) has suspended nine principals and one subject teacher from government higher secondary schools across Assam, following their involvement in the recent question paper leak scandal. The decision comes after the accused individuals failed to respond satisfactorily to show-cause notices issued in connection with the leak of question papers during the Higher Secondary First Year Examination. The suspension orders, signed by Mamata Hojai, Director of Secondary Education, Assam, underline the seriousness with which the state is tackling corruption and malpractice in its education system.
The investigation into the question paper leak has led to significant consequences for the officials involved, with several key figures being removed from their positions. Among those suspended are Dr. Rohit Chandra Rabha, the Principal of Narengkati Higher Secondary School in Sonitpur, and Sandhya Bezbora, the Principal of PM Shri Kathiatali HS School in Nagaon. Bezbora, in particular, is directly linked to the leak of examination papers during the Higher Secondary First Year Examination.
The suspension of these officials highlights the Assam government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its educational system. According to sources, the decision was made after the accused failed to provide reasonable justifications for their involvement or failed to respond to the earlier show-cause notices. In some cases, no response was received, prompting the ASSEB to take swift disciplinary action.
Himani Dutta, a subject teacher at Baguan HS School in Goalpara, was also among those suspended. Dutta stands accused of leaking the Advanced Assamese paper, further tarnishing the credibility of the examination process in the state. The leak of exam papers is a serious issue that compromises the fairness and transparency of the education system, which has long been a point of concern for both students and parents alike.
The ramifications of the question paper leak extend beyond the individuals directly involved. In Dhemaji district, three more principals—Kabita Chutia of Bordoloni HS School, Chakraborty Borgohain of Dhemaji Girls’ Senior Secondary School, and Gopiram Doley of West Jonai Senior Secondary School—have also been suspended for their roles in the scandal. The suspensions from Dhemaji have further fueled the controversy surrounding the examination leak and raised questions about the role of educational authorities in preventing such incidents.
In addition to these regions, further suspensions were enacted in Majuli and Dhubri districts. Lilamoni Borgohain, Principal of Kamalabari Satra HS School, Moinul Haque Mandal, Principal of Lakhiganj HS School, and Pradip Kalita, in-charge Principal of Rangiya Girls’ HS School, have all been relieved of their duties in connection with the leak. These suspensions indicate that the problem is widespread across the state and is not limited to a specific region or set of schools.
The Assam government’s crackdown on those involved in the question paper leak underscores the importance of maintaining the credibility of the educational system. With the state aiming to provide equal opportunities for all students, incidents like these not only disrupt the examination process but also erode public trust in the institutions meant to uphold fairness and justice in education. The suspension of these officials sends a clear message that any malpractice, especially involving education, will not be tolerated.
The issue of question paper leaks has plagued the education system in many parts of India, and Assam is no exception. The government’s response to this scandal reflects a broader push to ensure that educational institutions function with the utmost integrity. In the wake of these suspensions, the ASSEB has promised to continue investigating the matter, with the hope of holding all those involved accountable. The public outcry over the leak also calls for systemic reforms in how examinations are conducted and monitored to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the Assam education system moves forward, the government will need to focus on restoring public confidence in its institutions. The swift action taken against the involved officials is a step in the right direction, but it will require continuous vigilance and transparency to ensure that such breaches do not occur again. Only through sustained efforts can the state’s education sector regain its credibility and ensure a fair and just examination process for all students.
