Uncertainty over ASO exam on Aug 27 as matter reaches Orissa HC amid postponement demand

A cloud of uncertainty hung over the much-awaited Assistant Section Officer (ASO) written examination with a petition being filed in the Orissa High Court over conduct of the test on August 27, in the midst of flood situation in the State.

As per sources, the writ petition was filed by one Debi Prasad Sarangi on August 22 under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India.

While article 226 gives High Courts the ability to issue instructions, orders, and writs to any person or authority, including the government, article 227 gives High Courts the power of superintendence over all courts and tribunals in the territory over which they have jurisdiction.

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), which conducts the ASO examination, has been made respondent to the petition. The matter is listed for hearing today by Justice Biraja Prasanna Satpathy.  

A source familiar with the development told OTV that the Collectors of Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Balasore, Sambalpur, Angul and Boudh have expressed their inability to facilitate the examination on August 27. 

The Collectors said that they cannot conduct the examination at least within the next 15 days. However, the OPSC is hell bent on conducting the examination as soon as possible.    

Meanwhile, an online campaign is underway by aspirants who do not want conduct of the ASO exam on August 27 due to the flood situation.

"Plz reschedule the Opsc Aso Exam. Kindly once Think about our future.Its completely injustice for us," wrote an aspirant, Poonam Patra. 

#POSTPONEOPSCASOEXAM @satyajitips88 @PradeepJenaIAS @CMO_Odisha @MoSarkar5T @Naveen_Odisha @DBalasore @DM_Mayurbhanj @DM_Bhadrak @dm_jajpur @pranabpdas Plz reschedule the Opsc Aso Exam. Kindly once Think about our future.Its completely injustice for us. pic.twitter.com/xmBlsxa5RW

— Poonam Patra (@PoonamPatra4) August 22, 2022

"Students from rural areas cannot appear for the ASO exam if OPSC conducts the exam on 27th August and it will only benefit the candidates residing in urban areas. As a responsible commission, OPSC should give equal opportunity to every student," wrote another ASO aspirant, Rubina Sahoo.

Students from rural areas cannot appear for the ASO exam if OPSC conducts the exam on 27th August and it will only benefit the candidates residing in urban areas. As a responsible commission, OPSC should give equal opportunity to every student.#postponeasoexam
@satyajitips88.

— Rubina Sahoo (@me_rosyy) August 22, 2022

A third user, Pratap Kumar Nayak wrote, "I request all of you sir please postpone the ASO exam as there are so many aspirants like me are facing much difficulties due to flood situation in our village. Please kindly look into this matter this exam is very important for us so."

@satyajitips88 @CMO_Odisha #OPSC #opscaso I request all of you sir please postpone the ASO exam as there are so many aspirants like me are facing much difficulties due to flood situation in our village. Please kindly look into this matter this exam is very important for us so.

— Pratap Kumar Nayak (@PratapK85314388) August 22, 2022