A multiple-choice question in an English test paper at government schools in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district has triggered controversy after the name “Ram” was listed as one of the options for a dog’s name.
The question, asked in the half-yearly examination held on Wednesday, January 7, required Class 4 students to identify the name of “Mona’s dog.” The options given were Bala, Sheru, No One and Ram.
The question sparked protests by right-wing groups outside the office of the district education officer. Vishva Hindu Parishad district head Harshwardhan Chandrakar demanded the arrest and dismissal of those responsible for preparing the question paper, claiming it hurt religious sentiments.
“Such questions in examinations are inappropriate and deeply offensive to religious sentiments,” Chandrakar said.
On Thursday, district education officer Vijay Kumar Lahre expressed regret over the incident and assured that such lapses would not be repeated.
He said the question that was originally selected and sent for printing was different, but another paper was printed instead. Due to the confidentiality of examination papers, the issue came to light only after the question paper was opened at the examination centre.
“As soon as the matter came to notice, the concerned option was immediately removed and replaced with a new one,” Lahre said. He added that the department has sought an explanation from the concerned vendor and asked for the submission of the printed manuscript to determine how the question paper was altered.
Lahre said there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments and assured that steps would be taken to strengthen the examination process.
