CBSE Chairman Transfer: What was there in the blog of 17 year old student Sarthak Siddhant, after which the CBSE controversy reached Parliament? Why were CBSE Chairman and Secretary transferred amid OSM controversy? Which committee has been constituted by the Central Government to examine the procurement process of OSM services and what will be its responsibility?
CBSE Class 12 Result Controversy: A major administrative change has been made in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which is considered important for millions of students and parents of the country. The chairman and secretary of the board have been transferred. This decision has come at a time when the controversy regarding CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system continues to be in the headlines. Questions raised on the evaluation process after the Class 12 results had made the matter serious. Now the central government has not only transferred top officials but has also ordered an inquiry into the procurement process of OSM services.
What is the OSM controversy?
On-Screen Marking (OSM) is the digital system through which answer sheets are evaluated by examiners. In recent times, some students and education experts have alleged that there are many questions regarding transparency and technical standards in this process. After the declaration of Class 12 results, many students had raised concerns over the evaluation process. Meanwhile, questions started being raised regarding the selection and procurement process of OSM services, after which the matter became a topic of discussion at the national level.
Also read: Why does Europe suddenly need Pakistan? Understand the diplomatic compulsion of Kaja Kallas
17 year old student’s blog creates stir
This entire controversy gained further strength when 17-year-old student Sarthak Siddhant made some serious allegations in his blog. The blog claimed that rules were allegedly changed to award the contract for OSM process to Hyderabad-based Coempt EduTeck. These claims of meaningful theory attracted the attention of the education world and policy makers. This was the reason that this issue reached a committee of Parliament.
Parliamentary committee also reviewed
On Tuesday, a parliamentary panel reviewed the entire controversy. During the meeting various aspects were discussed and questions related to the evaluation system were taken seriously. It was told that Sarthak Siddhant also gave a presentation in the same meeting, in which he detailed the claims made in his blog and the concerns related to the OSM process.
Central government formed investigation committee
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Central Government has constituted a one-member committee to examine the procurement process of OSM services. According to the government order, this committee will be headed by Capacity Building Commission Chairperson S. Radha Chauhan will do it. The Committee will have to examine whether the procurement process of OSM services was carried out in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.
Report will have to be given within a month
According to the order issued by the government, the inquiry committee will have to submit its report to the Department of Personnel & Training within a month. The report will review all aspects related to the procurement process, selection standards and possible irregularities. After this the government can decide on further action.
Students and parents keep an eye on the investigation
CBSE is the largest school education board in the country and its decisions directly affect the future of millions of students. In such a situation, the credibility and transparency of the evaluation process is considered very important. Now the eyes of students, parents and education experts are fixed on the report of the inquiry committee. This report can not only bring out the truth about the OSM controversy, but also pave the way for making the examination evaluation system more transparent in the future.
Also read: Shashi Tharoor asked 2 big questions to Modi government regarding NEET paper leak, got angry at NTA too!