Last year, the Examination Department printed a percentage of its total question papers using the Web digital printer, a machine purchased at a cost of Rs. 546,264,452. The National Audit Office has noted a utilization rate of only 3.5% for this printer.
Throughout last year, the Examination Department utilized 10 machines owned by the department to print a total of 19,571,852 question papers for various examinations. Surprisingly, the Web digital printer, despite its significant cost, was only responsible for printing 90,125 question papers.
Furthermore, the audit has revealed that the department purchased a Vitana Web Digital Printer (wrapping solution) in 2018 for the purpose of maintaining the confidentiality of question papers. However, this printer, which cost Rs. 84,28,637, has remained idle and unused since its acquisition.
The audit report recommends that the department should conduct a thorough assessment of its asset requirements and take immediate steps to ensure that acquired assets are utilized to their full potential, achieving the expected capacity.
