On the fifth day of the Maharashtra Budget Session 2026, the state government announced the derecognition of 107 examination centres across Maharashtra as part of an extensive drive against copying and related misconduct during the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the Assembly that the action followed reports of irregularities at multiple centres. The move forms part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the board exams and reinforce public confidence in the system. The minister stated that the crackdown reflects the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards unfair practices in crucial academic assessments.
During Question Hour, Bhuse explained that a “copy-free examination campaign” has been introduced for the February–March 2026 board exams, similar to the initiative implemented last year. According to his written response, recognition of 31 centres conducting Class 10 exams and 76 centres handling Class 12 exams was withdrawn after malpractice incidents surfaced around January 13. To prevent further violations, CCTV surveillance has been made compulsory at every examination venue. Authorities have also replaced staff, including superintendents and invigilators, at centres lacking camera coverage to ensure stricter supervision and accountability throughout the examination period.
The minister further said that special stationary squads and drone surveillance have been deployed at sensitive locations to deter cheating. District-level vigilance committees, headed by respective District Collectors, have been constituted under a government resolution dated January 9 to oversee monitoring efforts. Flying squads have also been formed to conduct surprise inspections, with immediate disciplinary steps promised against anyone found guilty. Action will be taken under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act, treating offences as cognisable and non-bailable. Recently, drone footage exposed mass copying during a Class 12 examination in Beed district, resulting in the suspension of 17 teachers.
In a separate development, Bhuse informed the Assembly that the government will initiate an awareness campaign from the upcoming academic year to help citizens identify authentic textbooks published by Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, commonly known as Balbharati. He revealed that over 20,000 counterfeit textbooks were seized in December 2025 from a private press in the Hingna MIDC area of Nagpur district. Following an inspection by Balbharati officials, an FIR was registered, the press owner was arrested, and fake stock confiscated. Regional officers have been directed to monitor presses statewide, while official textbooks will carry QR codes and awareness drives will run in May and June.