'Bury Not Burn' Question In CBSE Biology Exam Creates Stir On Twitter

A question in this year's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) biology examination for Class 12 not only had the students foxed but has also caused something of a stir on social media. A Twitter user tagged Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar in a tweet asking if he was "aware of the question in today's Biology paper of class 12th about different cremation practise?"

The question under section D of paper reads:

"Public all over India is very much concerned about the deteriorating air quality in large parts of North India. Alarmed by this situation the Resident's Welfare Association of your locality organized an awareness programme entitled "Bury not burn". They invited you, being a biology student to participate.
(a) How would you justify your arguments that promote burying and discourage  burning?" (Give two reasons)
(b) With the help of flow charts, one for each practice depict the chain of events that follow."

As many later pointed out, the question does not, specify whether it referred to a dead body - the conclusion some had jumped to.

"How relevant is the question to Biology?" asks Alok Bhatt in tweet he posted on April 5. He even posted a picture of the question paper.
 

Dear @PrakashJavdekar here is the Qn from today's Biology Qn paper for Class 12th @HRDMinistry pic.twitter.com/DGGfBSCVlL

- Alok Bhatt (@alok_bhatt) April 5, 2017

The tweet has since collected quite a few reactions on Twitter.

While many have expressed anger over the question, others explained that it refers to leaves, and not dead bodies.
 

@alok_bhatt Unacceptable @ any cost. Don't play with the sentiments of Hindu. @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry

- mahendra (@mahendradave) April 5, 2017

@alok_bhatt @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry whats wrong with Teachers,examiners&HRD ministry?Are thy planning to tear up the social fabric of our nation&leave no place for our children

- Strategic Securities (@strattsec) April 5, 2017

@alok_bhatt @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry This is utter nonsense. The paper setter should be booked for insulting Hindus and creating religious divide. This is a deliberate mischief.

- KSV SUBRAMANIAN (@KSVSUBRAMANIAN) April 5, 2017

@alok_bhatt @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry Er, I think it is obvious the question is about leaves and not human bodies. What does an RWA have to do with disposal of human bodies?

- Siddharth (@svaradarajan) April 5, 2017

@alok_bhatt @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry Alok,I think U've misunderstood..this is abt burning leaves which a lot of RWA's in Delhi/Chandigarh witness in local parks by d gardeners

- Banisha (@visaradah) April 5, 2017

@alok_bhatt @PrakashJavdekar @HRDMinistry Boss ! I guess you haven't got the question correct. They aren't talking about burning dead bodies ! Seriously

- Shawan Sen (@shawansen) April 5, 2017

According to a report in Deccan Herald, the Human Resource Development Ministry is looking into the matter. Mr Javadekar has also reportedly expressed his displeasure over the question.