Thiruvananthapuram: In a first, the question papers for the higher secondary Plus-One examination which began on Friday were printed in red ink.

The Plus-One students were distributed question papers that had letters printed in red ink on off-white papers with a pink tint.

There is a partial change in the colour for the Plus-Two question paper as well. The Sociology question papers were on yellow paper in some districts but the letters were printed in black itself. Generally, the question papers are printed in black ink on white papers. Eye specialists opine that it would be difficult to read words printed in dark colours on dull-coloured papers.

Various teachers' associations have alleged a political agenda behind implementing this without even consulting them.

As is well-known the Red is often associated with the left movement and the current ruling dispensation in Kerala is mainly a coalition of left parties.

Minister's response

Responding to the issue, General Education Minister V Sivankutty asked what was the problem over printing the question papers in red ink.

As the Plus-One and Plus-Two examinations are being conducted simultaneously, the former question papers were printed in red to avoid any confusion, said K Jeevan Babu, Director of General Education, and Dr S S Vivekanandan, Joint Director (Examination).