India, July 24 -- The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated the services of 47 officials as part of what is being described as a major overhaul of the examination body, which has remained under scrutiny over paper leak controversies. The move is part of a broader push to reform the agency's functioning, with more corrective measures expected in the coming days.

The exercise is aimed at introducing what has been described as serious examination reforms within the NTA. Apart from the dismissals, legal and criminal proceedings are also set to be initiated against some of the officials.

On July 22, the Education Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that the NTA was functioning with only 24 permanent employees against a sanctioned strength...