CBSE Chairman and Secretary transferred amid OSM Controversy; Government orders inquiry
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) chairman Rahul Singh and secretary Himanshu Gupta have been transferred amid growing controversy over alleged irregularities in the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system used for evaluating Class 12 board answer scripts. The decision comes at a time when the board’s digital evaluation process is under intense scrutiny.
According to sources, the transfer follows mounting concerns over the procurement process and the full-scale rollout of the OSM platform, which is used to digitally assess millions of answer sheets. The move has triggered fresh debate over transparency and accountability in the examination system.
In response to the controversy, the central government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the procurement of OSM services. A one-member committee, headed by S Radha Chauhan, Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, has been constituted to examine the matter and submit its report within a month to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
The committee has been empowered to seek assistance from other government offices, while the Capacity Building Commission will provide secretarial support. Officials said the probe will focus on alleged irregularities in the tendering process and cybersecurity issues linked to the digital evaluation system.
The development comes amid growing concerns from students, parents, and teachers over the reliability of the new marking system, which was introduced to evaluate nearly 10 million answer scripts across India. Critics have questioned whether the rollout was rushed without adequate testing and safeguards.
Earlier reports had highlighted concerns regarding the procurement timeline, with the contract reportedly awarded just weeks before the start of the board examinations. CBSE, however, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all procedures were followed in accordance with government financial rules and procurement guidelines.
The government’s action is seen as a significant step in addressing public concern and restoring confidence in the examination and evaluation process.
