Trust is the bedrock of any society’s functioning. A society’s wealth is reflected in its citizens’ faith in the institutions that govern them. Trust engenders stability, fosters cooperation, and cultivates a sense of belonging. It allows citizens to engage with the state, hold their leaders accountable, and depend on government institutions for justice and opportunity.
In an age where anger towards authority often manifests as violent protests, restoring trust is not merely a pious hope; it is an imperative for the prosperity and stability of India. Even today, for millions of young Indians and their families, a government job is seen as the best bet for economic security and upward social mobility. No surprise then that public service commissions at the central and state level are seen as beacons of hope by millions of young, talented and less privileged Indians. These institutions are meant to ensure that the twin national goals of meritocracy and social justice are realised in a transparent, efficient and impartial manner.
However, the integrity of this trust has been severely tested over the last decade and has often been found wanting. This failure is less apparent for commissions at the central level, but appears to be a serious concern for commissions across states. The landscape of public service recruitment, once viewed as a sanctuary of fairness and transparency, has been marred by a series of scams.
For instance, in 2023, it was revealed that in the Bihar police recruitment exam, candidates were using proxies, and exam papers were leaked. In Punjab, the 2021 scandal surrounding the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exams showcased how systemic failures led to leaked question papers. Reports of examination malpractices in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal illustrate a disturbing trend where mediocrity was favoured over merit. The most recent example has come from Uttarakhand, where an exam conducted by the state’s Staff Selection Commission for junior-level posts in the state government was marred by allegations of paper leak and corruption. Responding to widespread expression of angry public sentiment, the Chief Minister has recommended a CBI inquiry into the matter. All these incidents highlight the need for effective and urgent policy interventions.
The cycle of scams has endangered the careers of countless deserving candidates and sparked widespread disillusionment. A generation that has prepared tirelessly for these examinations, often at great financial and emotional cost, finds itself at the mercy of a broken system. Restoring credibility to the examination process is imperative. Several measures come to mind that must be adopted urgently.
First, we need to take a careful look at the appointment system. In many states, appointments to these commissions are less about placing the most dedicated experts in positions of power and more about rewarding loyalists. There have been plenty of incidents where members of such commissions were found guilty of malpractice. Any serious attempt at reform must address this concern. Transparency in appointments to these commissions has to go hand in hand with transparency in recruitment processes. This includes the publication of exam syllabi, evaluation methodologies, and the candidates’ performance statistics in a way that is accessible to all stakeholders. A transparent system serves as the best deterrent against malpractices.
Recently, the Home Minister emphasised the need to employ technology in innovative ways to transform the recruitment landscape. Implementing biometric identification or unique candidate IDs can significantly reduce proxy exams. Using an encrypted question-paper delivery system can curb the menace of paper leaks. Strengthening the legal framework surrounding examination malpractices is also critical. Special fast-track courts to deal with cases of examination-related fraud can ensure that justice is prompt and impactful. Uttarakhand has been a pioneer in this regard, with one of the most stringent laws against copying anywhere in the country that was passed in 2022.
Given the frequency of such scams, there is a need for a national-level regulatory body that can assess, regulate and evaluate the recruitment processes in different states. Perhaps the UPSC can be entrusted with this mandate, or the Government of India can consider setting up a separate body. Setting up an independent regulatory body can help in maintaining objectivity. These bodies should be empowered to audit examinations and recruitment processes, and they should perhaps also have the authority to investigate complaints.
Public service commissions across the country are autonomous institutions. Their members enjoy vast authority and privileges. Instituting an accountability mechanism that holds such officials responsible for lapses in the recruitment process is vital. Bodies that record and monitor decisions, such as review panels, can help in evaluating the integrity of the recruitment process. Encouraging collaboration between governmental agencies and civil society organisations can also be helpful. Engaging with watchdog entities and allowing for citizen representation in recruitment oversight can enhance credibility.
The recurring incidents of recruitment scams have tarnished the trust in government institutions and led to widespread public protests. What is required now is a concerted, multifaceted approach to rebuild the faith of the aspirants and citizens and uphold the sanctity of the recruitment process.
A robust and transparent recruitment system is not merely a necessity but a fundamental right of every citizen aspiring to serve their nation. The journey toward regaining credibility is complicated, yet not insurmountable. Armed with determination and a clear action plan, we can create an ecosystem that honours merit, respects aspirants, and rejuvenates trust — a form of capital that India needs now more than ever.
i
