Excise SI, Traffic SI recruitment: Aspirants stage protest at OSSC office, demand exam cancellation

Tension gripped the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) office on Monday as hundreds of aspirants staged a protest, demanding the cancellation of the Excise Sub-Inspector and Traffic Sub-Inspector recruitment examination held on Sunday.

The protesters, mainly candidates who appeared for the examination, alleged serious irregularities in the question papers. According to them, several questions in the exam were completely out of the prescribed syllabus, leading to confusion and injustice for genuine candidates who had prepared according to the official guidelines.

Angered by the discrepancies, a delegation of aspirants had come to meet the OSSC Chairman and to formally submit a memorandum demanding immediate cancellation of the examination and a fresh re-conduct. They argued that the integrity of the recruitment process had been compromised and that continuing with the flawed examination would severely affect their careers.

“After appearing the examination, we are mentally harassed as questions were out of syllabus. We are pressurized owing to expectations of family members. We had come to meet OSSC chairman or secretary, but nobody is interested to meet us and take our memorandum,” said a protestor.

Excise SI, Traffic SI Exams Blunder:

It may be noted that the Excise and Traffic SI examinations, conducted by OSSC, were marred by complaints soon after the exams concluded. 

Candidates raised objections, stating that many questions did not align with the notified syllabus, especially highlighting the unexpected inclusion of questions from Arithmetic instead of the prescribed subjects like Odia, English, and General Knowledge.

Reacting to the growing uproar, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister addressed the issue publicly. In his statement to the media, he acknowledged the concerns being raised by the aspirants and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the irregularities. 

Also Read: OSSC, OPSC exams blunder: Odisha Minister assures stern action

"The department associated with the examination process will conduct a thorough inquiry. Whoever is found guilty will not be spared," he said.

The Minister further mentioned that a Bill had already been passed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly to bring stricter laws to curb examination irregularities. 

"The government is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment processes. Legal provisions are now in place to act decisively against any form of negligence or misconduct," the Minister added.

As protests continued outside the OSSC premises, security was tightened to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, the aspirants have warned of intensifying their agitation if their demand for cancellation and re-examination is not addressed promptly.

The final decision from OSSC and the Odisha government is eagerly awaited by the aspirants.