UGC NET question paper connects untouchability to hot pans, sparks controversy
The National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) held on January 22 this year has sparked a controversy. A question on the sensitive issue of untouchability, which made a seemingly illogical connection with hot pans, has received flak on social media.
The question in Paper 1 had two premises from which four conclusions were drawn. The candidate was required to decide the conclusions from the codes given below the question.
The question goes like this:
Q: 47. Given below are two premises ((a) and (b)). From those two premises four conclusions (i), (ii), (iii) & (iv) are drawn. Select the code that states the conclusions validly drawn from the premises (taking singly or jointly)
Premises: (a) Untouchability is a curse.
(b) All hot pans are untouchable.
Conclusions: (i) All hot pans are curse
(ii) Some untouchable things are hot pans
(iii) All curses are untouchability
(iv) Some curses are untouchability
Codes :
(1) (i) and (ii) (2) (ii) and (iii)
(3) (iii) and (iv) (4) (ii) and (iv)
The question has received criticism for being illogical. However, this is not enough. It also puts focus on the way untouchability, a serious violation of human rights, is seemingly trivialised because of its comparison with hot pans.
The NET is conducted by the CBSE on behalf of University Grants Commission (UGC) to determine the eligibility of Post Graduates for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.