Maratha reservation row delays results of sales tax inspector recruitment exam

Exam for filling the 445 posts of sales tax inspector was conducted on August 18, 2015. The results are yet to be declared, but the commission released and uploaded the answer keys of the exam on its website in December 2015. However on January 6, the commission published a notification on its website, citing the reason for withholding the results.

The notification states: “The answer keys for the main exam for the recruitment of sales tax inspector conducted by the MPSC on August 18 was released and published on the commission’s website on December 16, 2015. In the advertisement published pertaining to the exam, it was clarified that 21 of the 445 posts have been set aside for candidates under Educationally and Socially Backward Class (ESBC).

Based on the clarification stated in the government resolution dated February 21, the commission has also written to the state government and is awaiting the final decision on Maratha reservation.”

V N More, chairman of MPSC, said, “The final results of the exam will be declared only after there is a clarity over implementation of Maratha reservation. Every category has different criteria and posts will be filled as per that….Unless we have a clear idea on that, we cannot fill the posts, and hence, results have not been declared yet. We have already notified the candidates about this. We do not want to face any litigation or controversy by declaring the results now. It is better to wait for a clear direction from the state government.”

A candidate on the condition of anonymity said, “The reservation policy for the exams conducted can be implemented after the government clarification. Why withhold the results and deprive us from the jobs? Tomorrow if the reservation is implemented, many, including I, might lose a chance even after waiting for so many months. Posts which could have been ours might go to the reservation candidates.”

Another candidate said, “The commission can simply fill other posts and set aside 16 per cent posts according to the quota. Why jeopardise the careers of others?”