CBSE 10th English exam: Priyanka Gandhi, others raise objection to 'Anti-woman' question, CBSE clarifies

CBSE 10th English Exam was conducted on December 11 in which a question from Section A (Reading) was called objectionable and ‘anti-women’ passage.

Amid the ongoing uproar over the question asked in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 English exam, the Board has now released a clarification stating that if the experts opine that the passage elicits multiple interpretations, appropriate action will be taken to protect the interest of the students. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) concluded the Class 10th term 1 CBSE English paper 2021-22 on December 11 in which a question from Section A (Reading) was called objectionable and ‘anti-women’ passage.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also termed the use of such a passage "unbelievable" and posted from her Twitter handle: “Unbelievable! Are we really teaching children this drivel? Clearly, the BJP Government endorses these retrograde views on women, why else would they feature in the CBSE curriculum?”

CBSE in response stated that “As regards the correct answer option and the answer key has been released by the board, it is clarified that if the experts opine that the passage elicits multiple interpretations, appropriate action will be taken to protect the interest of the students.” While confirming the answer to the second question of the "objectionable question", CBSE says that the correct option will be Option B, adding that "the writer takes a light-hearted approach to life".

In an official statement, CBSE said, “A passage in one set of the English paper of CBSE Class X first term examination held yesterday has received mixed reactions from a few parents and students stating that “it seems to support regressive notions on family and allegedly promotes gender stereotyping. The matter will be referred to subject experts for considered views as per the pre-set procedures of the board. As regards the correct answer option and the answer key has been released by the board, it is clarified that if the experts opine that the passage elicits multiple interpretations, appropriate action will be taken to protect the interest of the students."

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