Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday directed a thorough investigation into allegations made by a female student regarding inappropriate conduct by a female constable during the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) in Nalbari. The student claimed that the constable “searched her private parts” before allowing her to enter the examination hall.
With over 11.23 lakh students participating in Sunday’s recruitment examination, the incident has sparked concerns over the treatment of candidates. Addressing the issue through a post on X, CM Sarma highlighted the need to balance exam integrity with respect for female candidates, stressing that ensuring “dignity and respect” for women is paramount.
In the same post, Sarma disclosed another case in North Lakhimpur, where cheating materials were found in a girl student’s undergarments. These incidents led the Chief Minister to call for stricter procedural standards to prevent future misconduct.
“I spoke with the DGP, Assam, @gpsinghips, and instructed him to investigate the Nalbari incident thoroughly. For me, the dignity and respect of our mothers and sisters are non-negotiable,” CM Sarma wrote. He underscored the importance of maintaining both the integrity of the ADRE process and the respect for candidates.
The Chief Minister also urged the creation of a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ensuring the dignity of women during searches, in line with court rulings and Women’s Commission guidelines.
DGP GP Singh confirmed that the police have taken immediate action, with the Range DIG tasked with investigating the Nalbari incident. Local female officers are handling the case to ensure sensitivity. Meanwhile, an FIR has been filed in North Lakhimpur regarding the recovery of cheating materials.
Despite these incidents, CM Sarma praised government officials for the successful conduct of the ADRE’s first phase and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency in the recruitment process.