Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) proposed Open Book Examination (OSM) system. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of being more interested in encouraging youth to create reels and fry pakodas rather than addressing legitimate concerns of students.
Gandhi's Criticism of PM Modi
Rahul Gandhi stated, "The Prime Minister wants the youth to keep making reels and fry pakodas, but when it comes to real issues like the CBSE OSM row, he has nothing to say." He further alleged that the Modi government is deliberately diverting attention from student protests by promoting frivolous activities. The Congress leader emphasized that students across the country are opposed to the open book exam system, which they believe will increase stress and compromise the quality of education.
Student Protests Against CBSE OSM
Thousands of students have been protesting against the CBSE's decision to introduce open book exams for Classes 9 to 12. The proposed system would allow students to refer to textbooks during examinations, but critics argue that it will lead to superficial learning and rote memorization. Student unions have demanded the withdrawal of the OSM system, citing concerns over fairness and evaluation standards.
Rahul Gandhi's remarks come amid growing political tension over the issue. He urged the government to listen to the voices of students and reconsider the OSM proposal. "Education should be about critical thinking, not just flipping pages during exams. The government must engage with students and teachers before implementing such a drastic change," he added.
Government's Response
The Ministry of Education has defended the OSM system, stating that it aims to reduce exam stress and promote deeper understanding. Officials have clarified that the proposal is still in the consultation phase and that feedback from stakeholders will be considered. However, students remain skeptical, with many calling for a complete rollback of the plan.
The controversy has also sparked a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing Rahul Gandhi of politicizing education. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "The Congress leader should focus on constructive suggestions rather than making baseless allegations. The government is committed to improving the education system."
As the debate continues, students across the country are planning further protests. The CBSE has yet to announce a final decision on the OSM implementation, leaving thousands of students and parents in a state of uncertainty.
