You cheated Bihar: Nitish Kumar on the controversy

I unequivocally condemn every aspect of the cheating that took place in the Bihar class 10 Board exams, the photographs of which have gone viral. First, these pictures do not reflect the complete reality of the state. The students of Bihar are gifted and they have made a name for themselves all over the country and abroad with their brilliance. A few photographs cannot tarnish their potential.

Second, the administration is vigilant and as soon as the news of the wrongdoing came to light, every concerned agency was instructed to do its job with complete accountability. Furthermore, the credibility of the government's work must not be judged on the basis of these pictures, rather it should be seen on the of basis of how we acted upon it.

Third, and most important, I would like to tell all those guardians, family-members and friends who helped the students cheat that you have done a great disservice to students, and to Bihar. A certificate that has been secured by cheating will be of no use in life and your ward will never be confident of his own abilities.

Attempting to do something like this, will make the student completely dependent on cheating. I appeal all of you to desist from cheating or helping anyone else cheat. Students succeed in life on the basis of their abilities and not certificates. Families and the society need to help and inspire them.

At my end, I am working with complete earnestness towards a future for Bihar that is built on the brilliance, potential and hardwork of our students. To achieve this goal, I appeal to the people of Bihar for their support.

Jai Bihar. Jai Bharat.

(This first appeared in Hindi on Nitish Kumar's Facebook page.)