A question posed in the recent Class 10 High School Leaving Examination (HSLE) Social Science paper, administered by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), has ignited a firestorm of online criticism, with numerous individuals expressing profound shock and disbelief.
The source of the controversy lies within a question that presented a hypothetical scenario: a government hospital in a fictional village, Dambuk, provides complimentary medical care exclusively to Hindu patients, while patients of other faiths are required to pay for their treatment. Students were then asked to provide their opinions on the legitimacy of such a policy within the Indian context.
This particular question rapidly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from netizens who perceived it as deeply discriminatory and potentially divisive. The framing of the question, inviting students to consider the merits of a policy based on religious segregation within a state-run healthcare facility, was met with strong disapproval.
The unfolding controversy has prompted a wider debate regarding the fundamental principles of inclusive education and the crucial role it plays in nurturing a harmonious society that respects and celebrates India’s diverse religious landscape. The question has raised serious concerns about the potential for educational materials to inadvertently promote or perpetuate divisive ideologies.