Among several measures and reforms aimed at curbing the menace of corruption, the Prime Minister recently suggested that the practice of interviewing candidates for selection against non-technical and non-gazetted posts in States after clearing written tests should be abolished for ensuring selection on written merit and transparency in appointing meritorious candidates. Some of the States have hailed the proposition as they find in it great well-being for the young aspirants for Government jobs. However, our State administration has so far ignored the suggestion despite the fact the DoPT has formally written to the Chief Secretary and even MoS in PMO has sent a communication to the State in this regard.
The reason for the PM to make this suggestion is that there have been large-scale complaints with the Government of India and the State Government including vigilance agencies about unjust rejection of meritorious candidates in their interviews on the basis of nepotism and favouritism. J&K is one such state where complaints of this nature are made by a vast number of deprived candidates. It becomes difficult to undo the recommendation of the interview proceedings and loopholes are deliberately left in the area of transparency. A candidate who has scored high marks in written test is disqualified in interview and denied the right to be selected for appointment. This is unjust, unfair and illegal. The State Government cannot produce a cogent and convincing argument to turn down the suggestion of the Prime Minister. Despite the fact that the Chairperson of Service Selection Board feels that the suggestions are very useful and needed, yet the Board is unable to implement them because there is no formal administrative order to this effect. The Selection Board, therefore, continues its old practice and no change is visible in dropping interviews.
It is likely that this issue of abolition of interview for junior non-technical posts will drag on for a long time in our State because we have elements with vested interests. These elements have more often than not used corrupt ways and means to benefit their wards, relatives and associates. However, keeping in view the trend of the times and unwillingness of the public to accept bullying and hoodwinking for all times, with the suggestion floated by the Prime Minister, there will be awakening among the civil society. In due course of time civil society will build pressure on the Government to bow before the diktat of the people who want a corruption free society. The sooner the Government responds to this imperative the better for the Government and for the state.
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