UKSSSC functioning under scrutiny during public hearing on exam irregularities
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The functioning of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) came under scrutiny during a public hearing on Wednesday regarding alleged irregularities in the graduate-level examination held on September 21. A single-member inquiry commission headed by retired Uttarakhand High Court judge UC Dhyani interacted with aspirants, students, teachers, statehood activists and government officials during the hearing at IDTA auditorium.
Aspirants questioned why the examination was not cancelled despite disasters in several parts of the State in the same period. They demanded the cancellation of the September 21 examination results and urged the government to reorganise the examination within one and half months. Many also sought an investigation into UKSSSC officials, alleging possible internal involvement in the irregularities. Several aspirants also expressed doubts about the announcement of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, claiming that a similar promise was made in the past but no significant action followed. They pointed out that even after the 2021–22 paper leak and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), authorities did not make their findings public and added that irregularities in recruitment examinations continued even after the introduction of Anti-Copying law.
Participants suggested that UKSSSC should adopt a more secure biometric system similar to that used in the Agniveer recruitment process. They highlighted inconsistencies in checking procedures across examination centres, stating that while some conducted thorough checks using metal detectors and restricted items like watches or jewellery, others remained lenient and also allowed repeated washroom visits.
Teachers and aspirants also raised issues about inconsistencies in examination patterns and questions. They said that invigilators deployed at examination centres should also be asked to give basic tests and must be given training before they are assigned duty. Aspirants and some teachers also said that UKSSSC examination patterns and options are confusing as sometimes options to certain questions in regional languages like Garhwali, Kumaoni or Jaunsari mean totally different in various regions and they get confused. They further alleged that the commission does not follow its prescribed syllabus, citing instances where reasoning was listed as a subject but algebra questions were asked. They urged UKSSSC to establish a fixed exam pattern and refer to standard study materials like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to help aspirants prepare better. Aspirants also demanded that UKSSSC publish marks and roll numbers of all candidates on its website to ensure transparency.
After hearing all participants, Justice Dhyani acknowledged that lapses occurred in the examination process and said it is necessary to determine their cause. “There is certainly a great scope of improvement in conducting recruitment examinations. The exams should certainly be transparent. We also recently held such hearings in Kathgodam, Rudrapur and received great suggestions and feedback. I understand the pain of youths. I assure you that I will give an unbiased report to the State government. I will try to submit the report as soon as possible,” he added.
