Sikkim Democratic Front Insists on Re-conduct, Action Against Officials
GANGTOK: The recent notification issued by the Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) regarding the Sikkim Services (combined recruitment) preliminary exam controversy has drawn strong criticism from the SDF students wing. The SDF students wing has condemned the notification and demanded the re-conduct of the preliminary examination while insisting on appropriate action against the officials responsible for the alleged malpractices.
The SPSC’s notice on May 4 allowed all candidates who appeared in both sessions of the recently held prelims for the posts of under secretaries, accounts officers, and DSPs to appear for the mains examination. Approximately 8,000 candidates participated in the prelims.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, SDF spokesperson Rikzing Norbu Bhutia expressed disappointment with the State government’s response. He highlighted that a high-level committee was formed by the government to investigate the alleged malpractices and misconduct during the SPSC preliminary examination held on January 16 this year.
“The committee conducted its inquiry and submitted its report to the government. However, now we see that all candidates who appeared in the prelims are allowed to proceed to the mains. Mistakes have been made, and it is unfortunate that instead of punishing the culprits in accordance with the law, the State government is protecting them due to vested interests,” stated the SDF spokesperson.
Rikzing Norbu further emphasized the need for accountability and urged the re-conduction of the preliminary examination, stating that the SDF Pressures SKM Government to address the concerns. He also called for age relaxation for candidates if the exam were to be re-held. In addition, he proposed that the State government adopt the model followed by Arunachal Pradesh, where a joint commission of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State officials is responsible for conducting the State Services recruitment exam.
Ram Gurung, the SDF students wing in-charge (west), shared observations made during their visits to colleges and government schools across all six districts of the State. He revealed that there has been a decline in enrollment in government schools, with many operating without school heads, such as principals.
“One significant observation from our visits is the lack of computer education or computer courses in colleges. Computer literacy is crucial for most jobs in today’s times. Many students are compelled to take computer courses from private institutions, which involves additional expenses,” said Gurung.
The SDF students wing leader pledged that if the SDF is elected to power in 2024, they will facilitate free computer diploma courses for all students. They also promised to provide free physical education studies up to the PhD level within the State. Furthermore, the SDF students wing vowed to cover the room rent expenses for students coming to urban areas for higher education.
Gurung explained, “Students from remote areas migrate to towns for higher education but face hardships in paying room rents. If the SDF government comes to power in 2024, we will ensure that the rent expenses of all college and university students are taken care of.”
The demands raised by the SDF students wing and their promises for educational reforms aim to address the concerns of candidates affected by the SPSC preliminary exam controversy and provide support to students pursuing higher education in Sikkim.
Also Read: Controversy Mars Sikkim State-Level Recruitment Exam
Gangtokian Web Team, 10/05/2023