REET exam: Women’s panel raps anti-cheating steps

Women aspiring to be government teachers were forced to take off their stoles and shawls before writing the REET exam at Jagatpura centre in the city. In an attempt to curb cases of cheating, the education department has taken measures that are found objectionable by the majority.

The orders restrict the candidates from wearing ornaments, carrying cellphones, wallets and purses with no proper place to keep them before entering the exam hall.

Rajasthan State Commission for Women (RSCW) too has found the procedure inappropriate. “The anti-cheating measures are rather harsh especially for women candidates, the commission will seek a report on these,” said Suman Sharma, chairperson of RSCW.

However, most candidates abide to these clauses, but some vent their anguish out in front of the security staff.

“They have no provision to keep belongings of the candidates, they expect girls from outside the city to reach the centre at an area unknown to them without a cellphone or even a purse.

To ask to take off stole is no less than humiliation,” said a female candidate at REET center at Sanskar Public School.