The Central Government has transferred the chairman and secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and constituted a committee to investigate alleged irregularities linked to the board’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the digital evaluation process used for Class 12 board examinations this year. Several students who sought access to scanned copies of their answer sheets reportedly claimed that the documents uploaded on the verification portal did not match their actual answer books. CBSE officials have acknowledged that around 20 cases involving answer-sheet mismatches were identified during the evaluation process.

Concerns over evaluation system prompt government action

The OSM system was introduced for the evaluation of Class 12 board examinations, replacing the traditional physical checking process with assessment of digitally scanned answer sheets. While the board had defended the technology-driven system as a step towards modernising evaluations, complaints emerged after the declaration of results.

Students and cybersecurity experts also raised concerns regarding technical issues on the portal. Complaints included answer-sheet mismatches, blurred scans, missing pages and payment-related failures during the verification process.

In response to the controversy, the Centre has ordered a probe into the procurement of OSM-related services. Reports indicate that the inquiry will examine whether there were any procedural lapses or irregularities in the procurement process associated with the digital evaluation system.

OSM system faces wider scrutiny

The issue has attracted attention beyond administrative circles. A parliamentary panel has reviewed concerns related to the OSM system, while legal challenges have also been filed seeking examination of the evaluation process.

Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had acknowledged discrepancies in the system and assured students that corrective measures would be taken. He stated that concerns raised regarding the evaluation process would be addressed and action would follow if any wrongdoing was found.

Despite the controversy, the government has maintained that digital evaluation remains an important part of the future of assessment and that the overall framework of the OSM system is likely to continue, subject to reviews and improvements.

The Ghaziabad Police and district administration have launched a large-scale enforcement campaign named Operation Clean Sweep, focusing on criminals, repeat offenders, illegal encroachments and unregistered institutions across the district.

The operation comes in the wake of heightened law enforcement activity following the murder of teenager Surya Pratap Chauhan in the Khoda area. Authorities have increased surveillance and verification drives while deploying additional security personnel in sensitive locations.

Security intensified across Khoda

Officials have deployed police teams, drone cameras, sniffer dogs and other surveillance equipment to monitor vulnerable pockets of Khoda. Rooftops and key locations are being watched closely as authorities seek to prevent any law-and-order issues.

According to police officials, repeat offenders have been identified and action is being initiated against them. Multiple teams are also carrying out searches and verification exercises in the locality.

Hundreds of offenders under verification

District authorities said a large number of individuals with criminal backgrounds have been identified across Ghaziabad as part of the campaign. Officials are reviewing records, conducting field verification and examining cases involving illegal occupation of land or other violations.

The administration stated that notices would be issued wherever illegal encroachments are found, following due legal procedures.

Three unregistered madrasas identified

As part of the drive, authorities identified three madrasas that were allegedly operating without recognition from the Madrasa Board. One of them, Madarsa Rehmaniya, was sealed after officials found that it was not registered with the relevant authorities, according to the district administration.

Officials have issued notices and provided time for the management to submit responses before further action is taken. Authorities said the verification of educational and other institutions will continue in the coming days.

Drive to continue

The administration has indicated that Operation Clean Sweep will continue as part of a broader effort to curb criminal activity, strengthen law enforcement and verify properties, tenants and institutions across the district.

Officials said the campaign is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal requirements while enhancing public safety and maintaining order.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sparked a fresh debate over the singing of Vande Mataram at official functions, arguing that requiring the full rendition of the national song at every public event is unnecessary.

Speaking on the issue, Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram should not be confused with making its complete version compulsory at all official gatherings. He described such a requirement as an unnecessary burden and suggested that patriotism should remain a matter of voluntary expression rather than enforcement.

The remarks come months after the Centre introduced detailed guidelines governing the performance of Vande Mataram at official functions. According to reports, the revised protocol standardised how and when the national song should be sung or played during government events.

Tharoor’s comments add to an ongoing national discussion about the balance between respect for national symbols and individual choice. He has previously argued that patriotism gains meaning when expressed willingly rather than through compulsion.

The issue has generated political and constitutional debate in several states in recent months, with differing views emerging over whether the full version of the song should be rendered at official ceremonies and public events.

While supporters of stricter guidelines say the move promotes uniform respect for a national symbol, critics contend that making the full rendition mandatory could be seen as an imposition. The debate is expected to continue as political leaders and constitutional experts weigh in on the matter.