Politics

“Should Kashmir Be Given To Pakistan?”: Question In MPPSC Exam Sparks Row

Kashmir

The question paper which has gone viral on the internet showed a multiple choice question which states, “Should Kashmir be handed over to Pakistan?”

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) on Monday blacklisted two experts and ordered an investigation into a question on whether Kashmir should be handed over to Pakistan to save India “a lot of money” on a state civil service preliminary exam paper. On Sunday, the paper went viral on social media and sparked uproar.

The MPPSC question paper which has gone viral on the internet showed a multiple choice question which states, “Should Kashmir be handed over to Pakistan?” The students who appeared for the exam found the options confusing and many were not able to respond, according to news reports.

The two options on the MP Civil Services question paper were –

  1. Yes, as it will help the economic situation of India
  2. No, as it will increase the demand of the Pakistan administration

Ajay Yadav, the leader of the opposition Congress, slammed the government, saying both options were unacceptable. Even the idea of turning Kashmir over to Pakistan, he argued, is repugnant. Yadav asked that individuals engaged in the paper’s finalisation face consequences. “Kashmir is the pride of India.” Even the notion that it [handing over Kashmir to Pakistan] will save money is exceedingly unacceptable. Even the correct response is objectionable… it shouldn’t be about putting a stop to similar demands [for secession]…”

In addition, the Congress asked that a case be filed in the matter.

The answer seemed apparent, according to one examinee who did not want to be identified. “However, we were perplexed as to why this inquiry was being asked.”

MPPSC media coordinator Ravindra Panchbai cited norms and said the commission cannot disclose the names of experts. “…the two experts have been blacklisted for life. The MPPSC also wrote to other commissions and higher education departments asking them to blacklist them too. We have also informed the institutions where they are working to take action.”

According to Panchbai, an investigation into why the scrutiny committee approved the query has been requested. He went on to say that the MPPSC has nothing to do with the paper or the query.

“A committee of experts finalises the question paper after subject experts submit the questions. To maintain confidentiality, MPPSC receives a sealed envelope of the examination papers and they go directly for printing. No officer of MPPSC is allowed to see a paper before the examination.” He added when they came to know about the paper, they took cognisance and cancelled the question.

State home minister Narottam Mishra called the question highly objectionable. “MPPSC took cognisance in the matter and blacklisted the experts…”

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