Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) adopted the Optical Mark Recognition (OSM) system at inflated rates. Ramesh claimed that the actual cost of the work should be around Rs 25.39 crore, which is only about 66% of the amount mentioned in the work order.
Allegations of Inflated Costs
Ramesh pointed out that the value of the work, based on the actual price for the number of answer sheets scanned, should be significantly lower than what was stated in the work order. He argued that this discrepancy indicates a deliberate inflation of costs, which warrants a thorough investigation.
Congress's Stance
The Congress party has been vocal in its criticism of the government's handling of educational affairs. Ramesh emphasized that the alleged overpricing not only wastes public funds but also undermines the integrity of the examination system. He called for immediate action against those responsible.
Demand for Resignation
Ramesh directly called for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the alleged irregularities. He stated that the minister's continued presence in office would be a disservice to the students and parents who trust the CBSE system.
The controversy has sparked a political debate, with the Congress party using it to question the government's transparency and efficiency. The demand for resignation is likely to intensify as more details emerge about the procurement process.
