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.

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.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing renewed signs of internal unrest, with political speculation mounting over the possibility of a breakaway group emerging in West Bengal after the party’s recent electoral setback. Reports of disgruntled legislators distancing themselves from the party leadership have fuelled discussions about a potential new political formation led by rebel leaders rather than by veteran leader Mamata Banerjee.

The buzz comes shortly after the expulsion of two TMC MLAs over alleged anti-party activities. According to reports, concerns within the party have intensified amid claims that several legislators are unhappy with the current leadership structure and the role of the party’s top decision-makers.

Adding to the speculation, a large number of TMC legislators reportedly skipped a scheduled meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s residence, a development that has been interpreted by political observers as a sign of growing discontent within the organisation.

Split rumours gain momentum after election defeat

The developments come in the aftermath of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election, in which the BJP secured a decisive victory while the Trinamool Congress suffered a major setback after 15 years in power. The defeat triggered debates within the party over its future direction and leadership.

Reports suggest that discussions are taking place among some legislators regarding the possibility of forming a separate political platform. The situation has drawn comparisons with Maharashtra’s political realignments in recent years, though no formal announcement regarding a split has been made.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee has publicly dismissed rebel voices, stating that the party is stronger without those working against its interests. She has also alleged that there are organised efforts to weaken the Trinamool Congress following its electoral defeat.

While speculation continues, there has been no official confirmation of a new party being launched. Political observers say the coming weeks could determine whether the current tensions remain internal disagreements or evolve into a larger organisational challenge for the Trinamool Congress.