The Rajasthan Police Sub Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, conducted in 2021, is facing the possibility of cancellation due to a significant paper leak scandal. The controversy has led to a series of arrests and a thorough investigation, prompting the police headquarters to submit a proposal to the state government for the exam's cancellation.
Background of the Recruitment Exam
The recruitment drive aimed to fill 859 sub-inspector posts in the Rajasthan Police. The written examination was held on September 13, 14, and 15, 2021, across 802 centers in 11 districts. Over 7.97 lakh candidates had applied for the posts, with the application process opening on February 9, 2021, and closing on March 10, 2021. An additional application window for the economically weaker sections (EWS) was open from June 9 to June 23, 2021.
Paper Leak Scandal and Arrests
The paper leak case came to light in February 2024, with the Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) initiating an investigation. The probe revealed that the exam paper was leaked from the examination center and disseminated through social media platforms. Former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Ramu Ram Raika was arrested for allegedly providing the leaked question paper to his children seven days before the exam. Raika's children, along with other trainee SIs, were also arrested in connection with the case.
The investigation has led to the arrest of over 100 individuals, including 38 trainee SIs and several police station in-charges. The case has implicated two separate gangs involved in the paper leak, highlighting the extensive nature of the scandal.
Government Response and Committee Formation
In response to the escalating controversy, the Rajasthan government has formed a six-member ministerial committee to examine the extent of the paper leak and decide whether the exam should be cancelled. The committee, coordinated by cabinet minister Jogaram Patel, includes other cabinet ministers such as Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Sumit Godara, and Babulal Kharadi, along with two ministers of state, Jawahar Singh Bedham and Manju Baghmar.
Cabinet minister Kirori Lal Meena has been vocal about the issue, advocating for the cancellation of the exam and the conduct of a re-exam within a time-bound framework. Meena believes that the paper leak could have reached thousands of candidates, making it imperative to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process.
Implications of Exam Cancellation
The cancellation of the exam would have significant implications, affecting the future of the candidates who participated. It would necessitate a fresh recruitment drive and a review of the current recruitment policies and procedures to prevent such incidents in the future. The government's decision will be crucial in ensuring accountability and fairness in the recruitment process.
For more information on the importance of maintaining integrity in public service recruitment, see the civil service page on Wikipedia.
