2 staff sacked, exam coordinator suspended in Pantnagar univ paper leak

RUDRAPUR: A B.Tech compartment paper leak in June has triggered a major controversy at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Taking action, the university has suspended SK Goyal, external examination coordinator of the College of Technology, for negligence, while two contractual employees have been dismissed after their involvement surfaced during an internal probe.The leak came to light after the university received an email complaint under a fake name resembling “America,” alleging that the mechanical engineering compartment paper had been leaked. Controller of examinations Vinod Kumar, who had earlier flagged irregularities in awarding marks, recommended a probe.A three-member committee headed by dean postgraduate studies, Lokesh Varshney and set up by dean technology SS Gupta confirmed the malpractice.

It found that Goyal, after taking charge of the external examination cell, had failed to change the official computer password, leaving sensitive data exposed. “We received a complaint about the leak of 10–12 students’ compartment paper. The committee’s findings confirmed it, following which the results were scrapped,” Kumar said.On Monday evening, vice-chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan acted on the report, recommending disciplinary measures.

Chief personnel officer Gauhar Taj issued Goyal’s suspension, with a departmental inquiry handed to Arun Kumar of the University Management Council and chief administrative officer (personnel) KS Pundeer. The two contractual workers linked to the leak were also terminated.Goyal has been transferred to Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jakhdhar (Rudraprayag). The university clarified that the transfer was administrative, pending further action.Students will now have to take fresh exams, adding to their anxiety. Allegations have also surfaced that some candidates paid cash or transferred money online to access the leaked paper. VC Chauhan said, “We will ensure that all examinations are conducted fairly and transparently. Students need not worry about the integrity of upcoming papers.”Kichha MLA Tilak Raj Behar also voiced concern. “Such negligence tarnishes the reputation of one of the state’s most prestigious universities. The administration must ensure accountability so that the hard work of honest students is never undermined,” he said.