UP: ‘Attach Rs 100 to your answer sheets’, school principal’s advice to students, arrested

A school principal in Uttar Pradesh was taken into custody on Wednesday after he was caught on camera giving tips to students on cheating in board exams. The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board exams started on Tuesday.

Praveen Mall, principal of a private school in UP’s Mau district, was filmed covertly by one of the students when he was addressing them recently.

In the video, Praveen is spoted giving a talk to students, in the presence of some parents, about how to cheat in board exams and overcome the tough measures set up by the state government.

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The student shared the video, with a complaint, on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s grievance portal, resulting in Praveen Mall’s arrest.

"I can challenge that none of my students ever fail... they have nothing to be scared of," Mr Mall says in nearly two minute-long clip.

"You can talk among yourselves and write the papers. Don't touch anyone's hands. You speak to each other... that is fine. Don't be scared. The teachers at your government school exam centres are my friends. Even if you get caught and someone gives you a slap or two, don't be scared. Just bear with them," he is heard saying in the clip.

A handful of people in the crowd respond to him saying, "Sahi hai”

"Don't leave any answers. Just put a Rs. 100 note in the answer sheet... the teachers will blindly give you marks. Even if you answer a question wrongly, which is for four marks, they will give you three marks," Mr Mall says. He concludes the address with the slogan: "Jai Hind, Jai Bharat".

More than 56 lakh students from 10th and 12th standard are appearing for the state board exams. This year the state government has made profound arrangement to check mass cheating and arrest those who support such practices.