New CBSE Chairman Appointed Amid On-Screen Marking System Controversy

Lokhande Prashant Sitaram has taken over as the new chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India, stepping into the role on Tuesday. His appointment occurs during a period of significant scrutiny for the board, which has been facing criticism over its On-Screen Marking System (OSM) and related allegations of corruption.

Sitaram replaces Rahul Singh, who was transferred earlier the same day, along with secretary Himanshu Gupta. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the new postings, with Singh being reassigned as an additional secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

A 2001 batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, Sitaram moves to the CBSE from his previous position as additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Rahul Singh, the outgoing chairman, is an IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, batch of 1996.

The CBSE has been under fire due to issues with its OSM system, with allegations of corruption in the tendering process adding to the pressure. Sitaram's leadership will be closely watched as the board navigates these challenges and aims to restore public confidence.