In a significant move, the Central government has transferred CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta, forming an inquiry committee to investigate the On-Screen marking controversy. This decision follows mounting discontent among students and parents regarding alleged irregularities in the process. The inquiry panel’s focus will be on scrutinizing the procurement of On-Screen Marking (OSM) services by CBSE, which has faced criticism for purportedly relaxing guidelines to favor specific vendors.
The controversy stems from the introduction of the On-screen marking system by CBSE for Class 12 board exams this year. Under this new system, evaluators assess scanned copies of answer sheets instead of physical answer books. Amid the escalating situation, the government’s crackdown on suspected malpractices has led to the removal of the top CBSE officials from their positions. The one-member committee tasked with the investigation is expected to delve into the procurement process of OSM services and present its findings to the authorities.
As part of addressing the concerns raised, CBSE has launched a re-evaluation portal for students to seek verification of issues identified in their scanned answer books and request re-evaluation of specific answers if dissatisfied with the assessment. The portal, operational from June 2 until midnight on June 6, is exclusively accessible to students who have acquired scanned copies of their evaluated answer books. This initiative comes in response to the growing backlash surrounding the On-screen marking controversy.
