Arunachal govt’s plea to conduct hiring exam rejected by UPSC

Itanagar: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rejected the Arunachal Pradesh government’s request to hold examinations for Group A and B posts in the northeastern state, an official said on Wednesday.

The state government had requested the UPSC to conduct the examinations as per the recruitment policy for the vacant Group A and B posts of the state until the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) is reconstituted and functional.
Responding to the state government’s plea, the UPSC in a letter to the state chief secretary recently said that as per the rules, “it is not permissible when a regular Public Service Commission is functioning in the state. ”

APPSC Chairman Nipo Nabam and all its members, except one, have resigned in the wake of the question paper leak scandal in the Assistant Engineer (Civil) examination conducted by the commission.
In the letter, the UPSC noted that the APPSC “is still functioning with one member of the Commission. It is a settled principle of law that a constitutional/statutory provision imposing a duty on a designated authority can be exercised only by that authority.” One has to pay and no one else.”

State Administrative Reforms Secretary Ajay Chagti said that since UPSC has refused to conduct the exam, an advertisement has been issued for the appointment of APPSC chairman and three members.
Responding to the demand of All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) and Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC), the state government had written to UPSC to conduct the exam.
The matter of the alleged paper leak came to light when a candidate filed a police complaint. Last year, more than 400 candidates appeared in the exam held on August 26 and 27.

In October, the state government handed over the case to the CBI. The case was earlier investigated by the state police and its Special Investigation Cell.
Chagti said that out of 41 employees allegedly involved in corruption, 19 have been terminated and 22 employees are under disciplinary action.

Regarding APPSC reforms, the secretary said that a draft bill to enact the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Practices in Recruitment) Act has been uploaded on its official website. I have invited comments and suggestions from people.