Centre replaces NTA chief amid NEET-NET row, Pradeep Singh Kharola is new DG
Pradeep Singh Kharola replaces incumbent NTA DG Subodh Kumar Singh, whose services have been put on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training
The Centre on Saturday replaced the director general of National Testing Agency (NTA) amid the NEET, UGC-NET row, naming 1985 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Pradeep Singh Kharola as the new chief.
He replaces incumbent DG Subodh Kumar Singh, whose services have been put on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training.
“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following: Assignment of additional charge of the post of Director General, National Testing Agency, Ministry of Education to Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola. IAS (KN:85) (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation till appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” the government said in a notification on Saturday.
The government's decision comes hours after it announced the formation of a high-level panel led by former ISRO chairperson K Radhakrishnan to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations.
The Narendra Modi government is under fire over a spate of controversies surrounding competitive examinations conducted by the NTA. There have been allegations of irregularities in the conduct of medical entrance examination NEET. While the alleged NEET paper leak is being investigated by the Bihar Police, the Centre cancelled the UGC-NET examination saying that the paper was leaked on the darknet.
On Friday, the NTA postponed the CSIR UGC-NET exam, which is conducted for junior research fellowship and admissions to PhD in science courses. The agency said the paper was deferred due to ‘unavoidable circumstances' and ‘logistical issues’.
“There was no leak in CSIR-UGC NET, it was postponed because of logistic issues. There is also a retest of 1,563 NEET candidates tomorrow. For smooth conduct of the exam everywhere, the decision was taken,” education minister Dharmendra Pradhan was quoted by PTI as saying.
The "top leadership" of the National Testing Agency is under the scanner over alleged irregularities in competitive exams NEET and NET, Pradhan said while denying any paper leak in the CSIR-UGC NET.
Pradeep Singh Kharola is the new director general of National Testing Agency. (Mint file photo)
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Centre replaces NTA chief amid NEET-NET row, Pradeep Singh Kharola is new DG
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
