UP: University Students Writing 'Jai Shri Ram' On Answer Sheets Passed, RTI Revelation Prompts Probe

In Uttar Pradesh, students in the Pharmacy department of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University have been passing exams by writing "Jai Shri Ram" on their answer sheets. Names of cricketers were also found on the copies.

Image used for representational purposes only | A student leader had lodged complaints alleging that some university officials had passed mediocre students by awarding them high marks.

Source : Getty Images

With Inputs By Javed Ahmed

In Uttar Pradesh, students from the Pharmacy department of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University in Jaunpur have been passing their exams by inscribing 'Jai Shri Ram' on their answer sheets. Adding to this, the names of cricketers were also found written on the copies. The issue came to light when copies were obtained under the Right to Information Act. Allegations have surfaced that students were passed by charging facilitation fees. As the matter gained seriousness, the university administration initiated an investigation.

Earlier, some teachers from the Pharmacy Institute of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University were implicated in irregularities. A student leader, Divyanshu Singh, had lodged complaints to the Chancellor as well as the Prime Minister, alleging that some university officials had passed mediocre students by awarding them high marks. Upon re-evaluation following the complaint, significant discrepancies were found in the marks awarded to students.

RTI Reveals 'Jai Shri Ram', 'Jai Hanuman' Written On Answer Sheets

Subsequently, the complainant demanded examination copies of several students under the Right to Information Act, revealing that phrases like 'Jai Shri Ram', 'Jai Hanuman', and various cricketers' names were written on the answer sheets. 

As the examination copies were re-evaluated by external examiners following the student's complaint, zero marks were given.

On Wednesday, the Vice-Chancellor held a meeting with the examination committee regarding this issue. During the meeting, two faculty members from the B Pharma department were accused. VC Professor Vandana Singh stated that this incident pertains to the first year of B Pharma. Upon re-evaluation, the allegations were found to be true.

Preliminary investigations have implicated two contractual teachers, Dr. Vinay Varma and Dr. Ashish Gupta, and strict action will be taken against them.