Odisha Police SI Aspirants Stage Protest Over Recruitment Delays
In a significant development in Bhubaneswar, aspirants for the Odisha police sub-inspector (SI) positions organized a demonstration on Thursday, voicing their frustration over the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the recruitment examination. The protest centered on demands for the government to announce a new date for the exam, which has been cancelled twice following allegations of paper leaks and procedural irregularities.
Recruitment Process Mired in Cancellations and Uncertainty
The recruitment drive was initially notified in 2024, but candidates expressed deep concern that despite two successive cancellations, the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) has failed to provide a revised examination schedule. This lack of clarity has left thousands of aspirants in a state of prolonged limbo, with many having dedicated significant time and resources to preparation since the process began.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the matter, examining the alleged paper leaks and irregularities that led to the exam cancellations. However, protesters emphasized that the investigation should not serve as a pretext for indefinite delays in the recruitment process. Bibhuti Bhushan Mahapatra, one of the demonstrators, articulated the collective sentiment, stating, "The CBI investigation will follow its own timeline, but aspirants have been preparing diligently since 2024. The government must ensure the exam is conducted transparently and without further postponement."
Administrative Confusion Adds to Aspirants' Woes
Compounding the issue is the administrative confusion stemming from the government's decision to deactivate the OPRB and establish the Odisha Uniform Staff Selection Commission (OUSSC). This move aims to centralize recruitment for uniformed services, but it has created ambiguity regarding which body—OPRB or OUSSC—will oversee the SI examination. Protesters highlighted this lack of clarity as a major concern, arguing that it exacerbates the uncertainty faced by candidates.
In addition to demanding a fresh exam date, the protesters called for:
- A thorough and expedited CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
- Strict disciplinary action against senior officials implicated in the paper leak scandal.
- Greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process to restore faith among aspirants.
The demonstration underscores the growing impatience among job seekers in Odisha, who view the repeated delays as a setback to their career aspirations. As the state grapples with balancing a fair investigation with timely recruitment, the resolution of this issue remains critical for both the aspirants and the integrity of the police recruitment system.
