Unfair means in examinations, malpractices in recruitment

Newspapers frequently publish reports about recruitment malpractices in government offices and unfair means adopted in secondary, higher secondary and sometimes university level examinations. The other day all major newspapers published a news item concerning arrest of 15 people by RAB for their alleged illegal activities in the written test for employment in an important organization. Question paper leakage, answer scripts manipulation, mismanagement, bribe, undue pressure from influential persons etc. are some of the most common malpractices done in such cases. This menace has a long history in our subcontinent. During British rule, such cases were very rare because the British were masters of good governance. It got strong footing during Pakistan period and thrived very fast after independence of Bangladesh when we started managing our own affairs. No single political party or civil administration can be blamed for this situation rather it is the result of bad governance by all political parties who were in power and civil administrations in charge from 1971. Malpractices during pre-independence years were not as deep and widespread as it is now. The situation is deteriorating fast and may go out of control any time unless remedial measures are adapted on a war footing to bring it down.
Although malpractices in recruitment in civil administration and unfair means in secondary, higher secondary and university level examinations are different in nature, the effect is the same. In case of recruitment it is mainly nepotism, bribing and mismanagement. The result is that a less qualified person gets appointed by-passing a more deserving and qualified candidate. Apart from unsatisfactory running of internal administration and development activities, this deficiency in quality will have a disastrous effect when they will face their counterparts from other countries during international negotiations and interactions. They will be no match for the highly intelligent and efficient officers from other countries and the whole nation will pay the price dearly.
In the education system this menace works as telling blows to the students as far as acquiring knowledge is concerned. Due to widespread leaking of question papers in secondary, higher secondary level examinations quality of the students cannot be properly evaluated. Lesser quality students go to the universities while brighter ones are left out. And at the end of the day the quality of graduates produced is mediocre. The fact is that these mediocre young people, not the more talented ones, will be taking charge of the nation occupying important positions either in the government or in the private sector.
This problem cannot be solved only by administrative and legal measures. It has a social aspect also which must be addressed properly. So, three dimensional approach is needed to solve it. In Bangladesh many seminars, symposia and workshops were held on this issue. Problems were identified and specific recommendations were also made, but very few of these have been actually implemented. Even if some of them were implemented, they were either ill planned or a half-hearted efforts. Measures need to be taken to stop question paper leakage, maintaining proper examination halls atmosphere and proper evaluation of answer scripts etc. in the interest of improved education system. Similarly to improve quality of civil administration measures are to be taken for stopping bribery, nepotism and favoritism during recruitment and ensuring their subsequent postings at all levels only on the basis of merit. Besides, delinquents of both groups must be punished severely.
But only administrative and legal measures will not give the desired result. The social aspect of the problem must also be taken into consideration and addressed. It appears that something has gone fundamentally wrong within our society as far as  adherence to certain social values is concerned. We are gradually moving away from moral and ethical values which our fathers and forefathers so carefully followed. Avoiding cheating, keeping promises, living within own legal incomes etc. are some very basic social values which they practiced earnestly. But we have already moved away and gradually moving farther away from these values, which is one of the main causes of the evils mentioned above. To get rid of it, we are to take a U-turn in our attitude towards the social values mentioned above and adjust ourselves accordingly. Ministry of Education should take steps to include chapters on these topics in school text books so that the young minds can practice it from the very beginning. These social remedial measures in conjunction with the administrative and legal measures, will be a very effective weapon to fight the evils of malpractice.
Finally, one important point to note is that mere wish or desire does not bring success, dedication to achieve the goal does. Unfortunately, this is the area where we are lagging behind.
The writer is a retired Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (Senior), Office of the D&AG, Bangladesh.
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