Headmistress suspended after Ram row

A simple multiple-choice question in a Class 4 English exam has triggered a statewide controversy in Chhattisgarh, drawing in education officials, teachers and district administrators. The dispute arose after a question paper used in several government schools included the word “Ram" as one of the answer options, leading to strong objections and an official inquiry.

After the exam was held on January 6 last year, images of the paper surfaced online and quickly went viral. Hindu organisations objected to the inclusion of “Ram" as a pet’s name, saying it hurt religious sentiments.

The question paper was distributed in schools across Balodabazar, Bhatapara, Mahasamund, Dhamtari and Gariaband districts. As criticism grew, the education department ordered an inquiry to trace how the controversial option appeared in the final paper.