Mah govt suspends four education board officials

Mumbai, Mar 13 (UNI) Tendering an apology on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, the Maharashtra government today informed the Lower House that four education board officials have been suspended in connection with a derogatory paragraph attributed to revered saint Tukaram in a 12th standard examination question paper last month.

The issue was raised by BJP leader Gopinath Munde soon after the motion of thanks on the Governor's to the joint session of the State Legislature was tabled.

Mr Munde demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his deputy R R Patil for ''insulting'' Sant Tukaram and hurting the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra.

He was supported by Ganpatrao Deshmukh (PWP) and Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam.

Clarifying the government's stand, Education Minister Prof Vasant Purke said the education board had already apologised for the reference to Sant Tukaram in the 12th standard question paper of February 21.

He offered his apologies and informed the House that the government had suspended four board officials who were responsible for the act.

Earlier, Mr Munde said BJP members had come to Vidhan Bhavan from their party office in a 'dindi' (procession by playing traditional musical instruments) to highlight the insult meted out to Sant Tukaram by the state government.

Mr Deshmukh demanded an inquiry on the issue and a stern action against those responsible.

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