Amid the protest over the alleged rape-murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education has published guidelines for the higher secondary examination scheduled for next year. The council stated that if any “political slogans” are written in the answer sheet, the candidate’s candidature may be cancelled.

The Council of Higher Secondary Education publishes guidelines before the exam to address misconduct. According to the council, this year’s guidelines were issued in response to the R G Kar incident and the subsequent public protests from various corners.

“A candidate shall held guilty of misconduct or malpractice if found indulging in indecorous writing or indecorous drawing or political slogans in the answer script/OMR of the candidate,” the guidelines noted.

It also said, “A candidate shall be held guilty of misconduct or malpractice if he/she encloses a currency note with answer script with the intention of offering illegal gratification or inducements to the invigilator or any other person connected with the examination or in any way tries to take illegal or unfair advantages…”

A senior official of the School Education Department said, “After the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, people from all sectors across the state came out to protest this heinous crime and demanded justice. Specifically, students and teachers actively participated in the protest, and alumni from different colleges and schools also participated.”

“Even supporters of football clubs displayed banners demanding justice at the football stadium. The overwhelming protests made the council think that some students might conduct similar acts during the higher secondary examination. This is why the council published guidelines for such situations,” the official added.

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