The central government has transferred the chairman and secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) amid a controversy over the OBC, SC, and ST reservation in the board's recruitment process. The move comes as the Congress party intensified its attack, accusing the government of a cover-up.
Transfers Ordered
The Department of Personnel and Training issued orders late on Tuesday, transferring CBSE Chairman Nidhi Chhibber and Secretary Dr. Joseph Emmanuel. Chhibber has been posted as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, while Emmanuel has been moved to the Ministry of Education as a joint secretary. The transfers are effective immediately.
Congress Reaction
The Congress party has doubled down on its allegations, claiming that the transfers are an attempt to hide the truth. Congress spokesperson Pramod Tiwari said, "The government is trying to cover up the mess it created. Instead of addressing the issue of reservation, they are punishing the officials who brought it to light." The party has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
The row began after it emerged that the CBSE had advertised for 147 posts without implementing the reservation policy for OBC, SC, and ST candidates. The board later withdrew the advertisement, but the controversy escalated with opposition parties accusing the government of undermining social justice.
Government's Stand
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the transfers, stating that they are routine administrative decisions. "The transfers are part of a regular process. There is no connection to the OSM issue," he said. The Ministry of Education has also clarified that the CBSE will ensure compliance with reservation norms in future recruitments.
The issue has sparked a political debate, with the Congress planning to raise the matter in Parliament. The opposition has also demanded the resignation of the Education Minister if the allegations of a cover-up are proven true.
