Arunachal Cabinet approves separate departmental probe into APPSC fiasco

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ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday decided to initiate a departmental enquiry into the incidence of paper leakage scam, which will be fast-tracked and independent of the ongoing investigations by the SIC and CBI.

The Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in its sitting, discussed the status of question paper leakage of AE (civil) mains examination conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APSSC).

It has been decided that the state government will take up with the High Court to designate one court exclusively for the matter, a statement from the CMO said.Taking cognizance of the act of the whistle-blower that uncovered the 'scam', the cabinet has resolved to frame rules for immediate implementation of the Whistle-blower Act in the state.

Further, the grievance cell of the APPSC will be overhauled and strengthened for faster and smoother redressal of grievances of aspirants as well as all other stakeholders. The SOP recommended by the Committee for conduct of examinations will be forwarded to the Commission with a direction to seek suggestions from concerned stakeholders.

Khandu had earlier called for stricter SOP for the Commission in tune with those of the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board. He had opined that due to lack of a proper SOP in the Commission, few vested interest individuals had the courage to manipulate the system and harm the sanctity of the highest recruiting agency of the state.

The Chief Minister made it crystal clear that no one involved in the scam will be allowed to go scot free. The Cabinet during the day also approved inclusion of regional topics in APPSC exams.

In another major decision, the department of Administrative Reforms (AR) shall constitute administrative research groups, which shall visit offices of the departments and deputy commissioners and give recommendation with regard to staff who are redundant and can be engaged elsewhere, identify need for re-skilling of employees, posts which can be abolished and other relevant administrative reforms.

The department shall also suggest staffing norms for district offices in view of the changed circumstances, the statement said.It has been decided that these administrative research groups shall stay at each district headquarter for at least 4-5 days for consultation with all stakeholders while making recommendations.

Meanwhile, the cabinet discussed and approved winding up of engineering wings functioning in departments other than work departments, creation of circle headquarters at Kora in Lower Subansiri district, conversion of 114 trained graduate teachers (TGT) posts to block education officers (BEOs) and creation of a surplus cell, the statement added.

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