The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has issued a strong rebuttal against mounting criticism from job aspirants and opposition parties regarding its recruitment procedures. On Wednesday, the constitutional body moved to clarify its stance, dismissing the allegations as part of a "false and misleading narrative."
Commission Cites Constitutional Mandate and Judicial Approval
An official spokesperson for the HPSC stated that the commission operates under the authority of Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. The spokesperson emphasized that all recruitment drives conducted by the HPSC have successfully withstood judicial scrutiny, which is presented as clear evidence of the process's transparency and fairness. The commission asserted that complete information regarding selections is available in the public domain.
The spokesperson detailed that any representations, complaints, or suggestions sent to the commission are thoroughly examined, with necessary actions taken as required. For individuals with specific doubts, the commission reiterated that they can submit formal representations before the secretary for appropriate redressal, maintaining that all appointments are made strictly on the basis of merit.
Allegations of Disrespect and Education Quality Debunked
The clarification comes in the wake of serious allegations that emerged after a meeting between the HPSC chairman and candidates protesting over assistant professor posts. It was alleged that the chairman made disrespectful remarks about the education system in colleges and universities.
This issue was first highlighted by the candidates to the media and later gained significant traction, even being raised in the Haryana Assembly during its recently concluded session. The HPSC spokesperson categorically denied these claims, labeling comments about the chairman's views on educational quality as "completely false, frivolous and misleading."
The commission accused vested interests of spreading such narratives to tarnish its image. In a show of respect, the spokesperson affirmed that the HPSC holds the academic community in the highest regard and acknowledged that large-scale, impartial recruitment would be impossible without their active cooperation.
Unaddressed Concerns and Political Fallout
Despite the comprehensive defense, the commission's statement did not directly address other specific grievances that have fueled the controversy. These include allegations about sudden amendments to recruitment rules and the hiring of a majority of candidates not domiciled in Haryana for various state services.
The ongoing dispute has placed the HPSC under intense political and public scrutiny. The opposition's decision to raise the matter in the assembly indicates the potential for the issue to escalate further, keeping the spotlight firmly on the commission's practices and governance.
The HPSC's firm stance sets the stage for continued debate around public service recruitment in Haryana, balancing its constitutional role against growing demands for accountability and local representation in state services.