Parliamentary Panel Chief Questions CBSE Over Scanner Rule Change
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) digital evaluation system for Class 12 answer sheets has taken a fresh turn. Digvijaya Singh, a senior Congress leader and chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education and Women’s Affairs, has directly challenged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent modifications to tender specifications.
Taking to the social media platform X, Singh raised pointed questions about sudden alterations in the CBSE tender conditions, expressing suspicion that the changes may have been designed to favour a particular vendor or company.
The Shift from Robotic to Ordinary Scanners
According to Singh, the initial Request for Proposal (RFP) document prepared by CBSE for the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system explicitly mandated the use of robotic scanners for digitising answer sheets. However, this technical requirement was subsequently diluted, with ordinary scanners being permitted instead.
The parliamentarian questioned the rationale behind this significant modification, suggesting that only the Education Minister could provide a credible explanation for the decision.
Understanding Robotic Scanner Technology
In his post, Singh took the opportunity to educate the public about what robotic scanners entail and why their inclusion in the tender process was significant. He explained that a robotic scanner is essentially a form of 3D or optical scanning technology that operates in conjunction with an automated robotic arm or similar mechanical system.
This advanced setup enables hands-free, high-precision bulk scanning and digitisation of documents without requiring manual intervention. Such systems are widely deployed in industrial settings for automated quality control, in large libraries for mass archival digitisation projects, and in complex applications like reverse engineering.
Allegations of Vendor Favouritism
Singh’s criticism sharpened when he addressed the removal of this sophisticated technology from the tender requirements. He questioned whether the substitution of ordinary scanners for robotic ones was intended to oblige or benefit a specific contractor. Leaving the judgment to the public, he remarked that citizens must draw their own conclusions about the motivations behind this regulatory shift.
Ongoing Scrutiny of CBSE’s Digital Evaluation
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of persistent complaints regarding irregularities in CBSE’s digital answer sheet evaluation process. Students and opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about technical glitches and inconsistencies in the OSM system. The parliamentary committee has been conducting a detailed examination of the matter, with Singh’s latest intervention adding another layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.
The questions raised highlight broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the procurement processes of educational institutions. As the parliamentary panel continues its investigation, the spotlight remains firmly on how CBSE manages its technological upgrades and whether such decisions prioritise efficiency and fairness or cater to vested interests.
The education ministry has yet to issue an official response to these allegations, leaving the matter open for further debate and inquiry.
