In Uttar Pradesh, a recruitment process involving 186 administrative positions in the Assembly and the Legislative Council has triggered controversy. An investigative report in The Indian Express revealed nepotism and irregularities in the recruitment process and has led the High Court labelling it as a ‘’shocking…scam’’ and ordering a CBI probe into the case. A fifth of these jobs have allegedly gone to the relatives of the officials who have conducted the exams, raising questions about the integrity of the recruitment procedure.
All about the recruitment scandal
The recruitment was held in 2020-21 and more than 2.5 lakh candidates have applied for the examination. Yet, the shortlisted candidates were the sons, daughters, and relatives of high-ranking officials, the Principal Secretary’s children, a former UP Speaker’s PRO, and his brother, and also included family members of private firms who managed the examination. The private firms, TRS Data Processing and Rabhav which are under scrutinisation were also involved in a previous recruitment manipulation case.
The controversy further escalated as relatives of the Legislative Council and Assembly officials dominated the successful candidates’ list. There are also allegations that the qualifying marks were manipulated and the results were not declared openly, further questioning the transparency of the recruitment.
Court orders on the recruitment scam
The Allahabad High Court in September 2023, replied to the pleas from the unsuccessful candidates by ordering a CBI investigation. The court condemned the recruitment norms that permitted external agencies to manage the recruitment process and stated that fairness had been compromised. The court pointed out that hundreds of recruits were illegally and unlawfully appointed by an agency that has questionable credibility.
Despite the High Court’s strict stand, the Supreme Court stayed the CBI probe in October 2023, the next hearing is slated to take place in January 2025. The question over the credibility of the examination still prevails as the High Court has highlighted discrepancies in the recruitment process. The court also pointed out there was no public announcement of the result and the allegations about the manipulated scores. Thousands of the aspirant’s futures were in the dark as nepotism and favouritism took the front seat. The scandal also highlights serious lapses in public sector recruitment.
