How could Supe and Dere evade the political gaze?
The sensational revelations from the ongoing crackdown on Tukaram Supe and Sukhdeo Dere, who were at the helm of the state examination board have sent shockwaves across Maharashtra. It has severely dented the image of the state administration also. More skeletons are likely to tumble out thanks to the arrests of the people attached to the Bengaluru-based firm entrusted with the task of conducting the online exams.
The entire episode has eroded the confidence of the people, especially the youngsters aspiring for the state government services. It raises several questions such as how people playing an important role in conducting the exams, never thought that they were playing with the future of scores of youngsters aspiring for the government jobs? Did anyone not realize that this would erode the faith of the students appearing for the exams which might create new problems? How can it be said that the future of Maharashtra is bright when one or two generations lose out their future due to the misdeeds of a few.
Heated debate expected in the State legislature
If it fails to stir up the conscience of people at the helm of affairs, then it may strengthen a belief that leaders accord top priority to politics and expand their political base. It may not be unreasonable to expect that the Mahapariksha scam should be discussed in detail on the floor of the state legislature, cutting across the party lines. A flawless system can be created to restore the confidence of the younger generations. But it’s unlikely for obvious reasons.
1.5 Cr students were to be benefitted
A glance at the government figures for the year 2018-19 alone shows that around 42.65 lakh students in the state had registered for the online exams. Out of this, 16 lakh students had appeared online for various government jobs. It was assumed that the digital platform of Mahapariksha would benefit about 1.5 Cr students and it would be transparent. So, where are things messed up?
Most of the students who appeared for e-pariksha were from Vidarbha which is relatively backward. Their number is 2.86 lakhs. It was followed by 2.30 lakh students from the Pune division, and 1.11 lakh students from Marathwada. With such a large number of students aspiring for jobs, the scams unraveling put their future in jeopardy.
How Tupe, Dere went unnoticed
The question is, when the ilk of Supe and Dere was flourishing, nobody seemed bothered that they were enjoying free rein. It seems incredible. It is difficult to believe that the leaders did not realize what was going on. This is unbelievable and smacks connivance to disturb the system of examinations. And what one can expect when money is exchanged hands. Naturally, these fresh recruits may go after recovering the amount spent for the same. In such a situation, there is no need for a fortune teller to say that we may not get a corruption-free administration for decades.
What surprises me most as to how such a huge scam went unnoticed from the gaze of the people from the political circle and the members of the state cabinet. It is observed that they and their political activists are always watchful about the developments and discussions going on in the masses. It is also difficult to believe that those in the government were not aware of the goings-on in the state examination board and the companies empaneled for the online exams.
Passing the buck is on
The important issue is who was protecting people like Supe, Dere, and others. The state has every right to know about it. At least for now the senior leaders of the ruling and opposition parties must come together and give a message of reassurance to the youngsters by creating a flawless system for government recruitment. Unfortunately, political mudslinging is ongoing between the ruling three-party government comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and the Congress and the opposition party, BJP.
As of now, the match is between the BJP and the NCP, and conspicuous silence is maintained by senior leaders of the Shiv Sena and Congress. Even the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena, which has always been at the forefront to raise issues concerning students, has maintained silence. Even the BJP does not appear to raise the issue with vigor.
When all-party MLAs can come together on issues close to their hearts such as increasing local area development funds, their salaries, allowances, and pensions then why not for protecting the future of the students. If such crucial issues are missed out, then they may have to face the wrath of the coming generations.