Mahasamund: A multiple-choice question in a Class 4 English exam has triggered a controversy in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district after "Ram" was listed as a potential name for a dog. The incident, which occurred during the half-yearly examinations held on Wednesday (January 7), led to protests by right-wing organizations demanding action against the paper setters.
The contentious question asked students to identify the name of “Mona’s dog,” offering the options: “Bala,” “Sheru,” “No One,” and “Ram.”
The inclusion of the deity's name drew immediate condemnation from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). District VHP head Harshwardhan Chandrakar led a protest outside the District Education Officer's (DEO) office, calling the question "inappropriate and deeply offensive to religious sentiments." The group has demanded the arrest and dismissal of the officials responsible for drafting the question.
In response to the backlash, DEO Vijay Kumar Lahre issued a statement on Thursday expressing regret over the incident. He explained that a printing error had led to the substitution of the intended question paper.
"The relevant question was selected and sent for printing, but instead of that question paper, a different one was printed. Owing to the confidentiality of examination papers, the issue came to light only after the paper was opened at the examination centre," Lahre stated.
Lahre assured that corrective measures were taken immediately upon discovery, with the controversial option being removed and replaced. The education department has issued a notice to the printing vendor, seeking an explanation and the submission of the original manuscript to determine how the unauthorized change occurred.
Asserting that there was no intent to hurt religious sentiments, the DEO promised to strengthen the examination process to prevent such lapses in the future.
(Inputs from PTI)