In Tamil Nadu’s Periyar University in Salem, there has been a ruckus after a question related to caste was asked in the MA History exam paper in the second semester. Due to this question, the opposition has also questioned the state government regarding the ideology of Periyar. At the same time, it was said on behalf of the university that an inquiry committee would be constituted to investigate such lapses.
Let us tell you that such controversial question appeared in the 75 marks paper of MA History degree exam. In this, in question number 11, the question was asked which lower caste belongs to Tamil Nadu? Four options were also given along with the question.
Social media users are giving their feedback regarding this question. A user criticized the college authorities for preparing the question paper of the university. The university is named after Dravidian thinker Periyar. Periyar fought for the abolition of caste.
In such a situation, social media users are criticizing the question related to caste in the question paper of the university named after Periyar. However, the state higher education department is yet to comment on the matter.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the university has said that an inquiry committee will be set up to probe the matter. University registrar D Gopi told indianexpress.com, “When we inquired, the teachers who framed this question said that it is part of the syllabus. However, it could have been avoided.” He said that the questions were framed by the staff members of other colleges.
D Gopi has said that a committee of History Teaching Staff will be formed on the orders of the Vice-Chancellor. On the basis of the report of the committee, departmental action will be initiated against the staff members.
At the same time, Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami in this matter asked through a tweet whether it is the Dravidian model and social justice of DMK to mock Periyar’s ideology and increase caste inequality among students through such questions in semester exams?