Dharamshala: HPBOSE Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma has strongly refuted claims regarding question paper leaks in the state’s board examinations, terming the allegations completely baseless and devoid of facts.
Addressing reporters in Dharamshala, Dr. Sharma voiced sharp objections to alleged remarks made by former BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda, accusing him of attempting to malign the reputation of the state board and Himachal Pradesh. He urged political leaders to refrain from issuing misleading statements on sensitive subjects like education.
The HPBOSE chairman clarified that the state board has no connection with the ongoing national controversy and protests surrounding the NEET exam paper leak. He emphasized that linking Himachal Pradesh’s autonomous education board with the NEET dispute is entirely unjustified.
Taking a firm stance on the NEET controversy, Dr. Sharma demanded an impartial central probe into the alleged irregularities, along with strict action against those found responsible. He further called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister on moral grounds.
Dr. Sharma also clarified the board’s position regarding a fake certificate case involving the State Open School. He stated that the institution in question was affiliated with HPBOSE only from 2017 to 2019 and currently holds no administrative or academic association with the board.
Recalling historical ties, Dr. Sharma noted that JP Nadda’s late father, N.L. Nadda, served as HPBOSE chairman from 1992 to 1995. He highlighted that despite a Congress government coming to power in 1993, he was retained in his position, demonstrating that the party has historically kept education above political considerations.
While referring to JP Nadda as an elder brotherly figure, Dr. Sharma expressed regret over his statements, pointing out that paper leaks had occurred during the previous BJP tenure in the state.
He added that after coming to power, the Congress administration dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission (HPSSC) Hamirpur on February 21, 2023, following corruption and paper leak incidents, replacing it with the State Selection Commission.
