CBSE Seeks Report on OSM Tender Amid Allegations; Verification Portal Resumes

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is under scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the Online Scanning and Marking (OSM) tender process. The Education Ministry has sought a detailed report from CBSE on the matter, which involves awarding the contract to COEMPT EduTech. Media reports suggest that the ministry is considering strict action against officials found responsible for any discrepancies. However, CBSE officials have refuted the allegations, asserting that the tender was awarded in compliance with General Financial Rules (GFR) and government procurement procedures.

The controversy gained momentum after Rahul Gandhi accused the board and the Education Ministry of favoring specific vendors through the tender process. The tender was awarded on December 5, 74 days before the first board exam scheduled for February 17. The issue has also drawn attention to disruptions in CBSE's verification and re-evaluation portal, which was inaccessible for most of Monday, causing inconvenience to students. CBSE has since announced that the portal is now live for Class 12 students.

The allegations have highlighted whistleblower accounts, including those of Sarthak Siddhant and Vedant Srivastava, who raised concerns about discrepancies in evaluation and data processing. COEMPT EduTech, the firm involved, has faced similar accusations in the past during examinations conducted by the Telangana board.

Meanwhile, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has announced plans for nationwide protests against examination irregularities, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests will include rallies, student outreach programs, and demonstrations across multiple states, though specific dates are yet to be disclosed.