The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) in Raipur has issued a formal show cause notice to the District Education Officer (DEO) of Mahasamund. This action follows a major controversy over a question paper for Class 4 students in a few government schools, where the name 'Ram' was listed as one of the options for a dog's name.
Details of the Controversial Exam Question
The incident came to light during a primary school examination. The specific English question asked students, 'What is Mona's dog's name?' Among the multiple-choice answers provided was the name 'Ram'. This inclusion immediately sparked outrage and was perceived as deeply offensive by many, leading to accusations of hurting religious sentiments. The notice from the DPI squarely places the responsibility for this error on the district education officer.
In the official notice, the DPI stated that the entire process of preparing, printing, and distributing question papers for primary exams rests with the DEO. Despite this clear mandate, a serious lapse occurred. The department termed the inclusion of 'Ram' as an answer choice 'highly objectionable, condemnable and hurtful to religious sentiments'. It further emphasized that the incident has adversely affected the reputation of both the state government and the education department.
Official Response and Alleged Negligence
The DPI's notice accuses the DEO of demonstrating 'gross negligence and indifference' in the execution of official duties. This failure, according to the notice, amounts to a violation of Rule 3 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. The DEO, identified as Vijay Lahare, has been directed to provide a written explanation for the lapse. The notice warns that failure to submit a satisfactory reply will result in unilateral disciplinary proceedings against him.
In his defense, DEO Vijay Lahare claimed that the mistake happened at the printing stage and was unintentional. He asserted that the department had no motive to hurt anyone's feelings. Supporting this view, another official from the education department explained that for primary classes, teachers usually prepare the questions. These are then approved by the exam in-charge and the school principal, with the DEO's office having minimal direct intervention in the content.
Public Protests and Political Fallout
The controversial question did not go unnoticed by right-wing organizations. Groups including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal staged protests against what they called a deliberate insult to religious beliefs. The protests escalated to the point where demonstrators burned an effigy of the District Education Officer, demanding strict action against those responsible for the error.
The DPI's swift action in serving the show cause notice appears to be a direct response to the public outcry and the potential for the issue to escalate further. The department is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, framing it as a clear case of administrative failure that has wider social and religious implications.
