Unveiling the Shocking Truth: APSC ‘Cash-for-Jobs’ Scam Exposes Rampant Corruption in Assam’s 2013-2014 Exams
The Justice (retd) BK Sharma inquiry committee has revealed that the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) functioned as a “private guild” during the 2013 and 2014 civil service exams, selling jobs in a scandal that has deeply undermined its integrity. The inquiry, prompted by a 2016 ‘cash-for-job’ scam revelation, led to the arrest of around 70 individuals, including former APSC chairman Rakesh Paul and over 50 civil and police officials.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the committee’s findings concerning the Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) for 2013 and 2014 to the Assembly. The 2013 exam’s report, submitted in March 2022, highlighted that the APSC’s role as a constitutional body was compromised, operating more like an employment agency where positions were exchanged for money and other considerations. The report criticized the selection and promotion process that allowed Rakesh Paul to chair the APSC, asserting that corruption was entrenched from the top. The commission was disturbed by the magnitude of fraud and suggested that benefactors, including relatives of candidates, aided in corrupt practices, ultimately eroding the credibility of the selection process.
The findings for the 2014 exam, submitted in October 2023, indicated similar misconducts, with APSC’s operations becoming a mercantile entity under Paul’s leadership from 2008 to 2016. It uncovered repeated violations of merit-based selection principles, suggesting a widespread issue that might extend beyond the reviewed exams. Communication records revealed connections between Paul and others involved in the scam, raising suspicions of further involvement.
The committee urged the government to consider “drastic measures” to restore public trust in the APSC and highlighted the continued threat posed by illegally appointed officials still holding significant positions, potentially jeopardizing the performance and merit of deserving candidates.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-apsc-cash-for-jobs-scam-inquiry-report-exposes-shocking-corruption-in-2013-2014-exams-1172242-2025-02-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-02-18 18:05:00
