Haryana orders probe into exam question row

CM Khattar ordered the probe after a Brahmin delegation met him.

CM Khattar ordered the probe after a Brahmin delegation met him.  

SSC chief suspended; FIR against paper setter-publisher

In the wake of continued protests by the Brahmin community over a controversial question asked in a Haryana Staff Selection Commission examination demeaning the community, the Haryana government on Thursday announced to set up a high-level inquiry commission to investigate the matter.

It also ordered registration of a First Information Report against the Delhi-based company, the paper-setter and the publisher.

HSSC Chairman Bharat Bhushan Bharti would also remain suspended during the probe and an officiating Chairman would be appointed in his place.

Announcing the government decision, Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, in a press conference in Chandigarh, said prominent members of the Brahmin community had met Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar earlier in the day seeking action against the guilty. Respecting the sentiments of the community, the Chief Minister announced to constitute a high-level inquiry commission, registration of an FIR against the Delhi-based company, the paper-setter and the publisher, besides suspending the HSSC Chairman till the completion of the inquiry.

Judge to head panel

The probe would be conducted by a retired or sitting High Court judge, said Mr. Sharma.

Though the company which was awarded the contract for setting the paper has already tendered an apology in writing for the controversial question, the government has blacklisted the company and publisher from all future assignments, informed Mr. Sharma.

Bad omens

The controversy pertains to a question in the written examination for the post of Junior Engineer (Civil) held on April 10 seeking to know from the candidates as to what was not considered a bad omen in Haryana with the options being empty pitcher, fuel casket, a dark-skinned Brahmin or a Brahmin girl.

The HSSC later published the key to the question paper with the correct answer being the “Brahmin girl”, which effectively meant that sighting a “dark-skinned Brahmin” was a bad omen along with empty pitcher and the fuel casket.