Editor,
Despite the MPSC’s commendable progress in recent years by conducting exams, interviews, and publishing results in a short time frame — a previously elusive achievement — the recent controversies surrounding the MCS examination have severely tarnished its reputation. The publication of a second list of successful candidates, after a months of delay, following an undisclosed reassessment has been met with widespread disapproval from MCS aspirants, the parents and public leaders across the State.
A prominent leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya State Assembly has publicly condemned this move, labeling it as unconstitutional and lacking legal basis. The tireless efforts shown by the Khasi Students’ Union compelled the MPSC to disclose the marks obtained by candidates in the preliminary examination. However, the omission of Paper II marks remains a significant concern. While Paper II is technically a qualifying paper, disclosing these marks is essential to ensure the fairness of the selection process and to verify that candidates who cleared Paper I also passed Paper II.
The publication of these marks has revealed potential irregularities in the examination process, casting doubt on the exam’s integrity and leaving aspirants feeling disheartened and disillusioned. The commission’s secretive and old style functioning has further eroded the trust of fellow aspirants, parents, and the general public.
Additionally, there are allegations that some candidates who scored below the cutoff marks (KJ -92, G-84 were still eligible to participate in the main exam scheduled for October 8, 2024). It is commendable that the KSU has taken these issues seriously and has continued to advocate for transparency and accountability by submitting a petition to the Governor of Meghalaya, demanding a thorough investigation into the commission’s operations.
Our lone MP from Meghalaya in the Rajya Sabha has written to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma urging a judicial inquiry into the allegations against the commission members. Given the current circumstances, the upcoming main exam scheduled on October 8, 2024 is unlikely to inspire confidence among genuine candidates who worked hard for such a competitive exam. As aspirants ourselves who have dedicated ourselves to preparing for this examination, we personally feel that these issues have significantly eroded our trust in the system. Despite this setback, we will continue to remain committed to our studies and will continue to prepare for the exam with full dedication.
The lack of transparency, fairness, and accountability which are the pillars of the recruitment system has raised serious concerns about nepotism and favoritism within the commission which we read in our Essay, General Studies and Optional papers.
We request the Meghalaya Public Service Commission to see that it works in public interest and the interest of unemployed youth/job seekers and clear the air surrounding these pertinent issues. It is imperative that the commission address these pressing matters and remove all doubts surrounding its functioning.
We request the MPSC not to continue with the arrogance /adamant attitude towards the future of aspirants. The grieving aspirants are not echoing chambers. We request the government and the Governor’s office to oversee a thorough investigation into the errors committed by the MPSC in the context of the MCS examination and adopt comprehensive reforms as we move to a new era of hope.
Given the scheduled MCS Main examination on October 8, 2024, a viable and temporary solution would be to postpone the exam to safeguard the interests of all MCS aspirants who yearn for a clean and fair system.
As the MCS Main examination is scheduled on October 8, 2024, a viable and temporary solution would be to postpone the MCS (Main) examination to safeguard the interest of all aspirants who longed for a clean and fair system. A clean system will ultimately bring clean officers too.
Name withheld on request
Shillong.
