Arunachal APSSB malpractices fiasco: LDC/JSA exams stand cancelled

Itanagar: Following pressure from a large section of aspirants and organisations, the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) has announced the cancellation of LDC/JSA examinations that were conducted recently.

“The decision to cancel the examination came following a meeting of the APSSB officers which was held at the board’s office in Itanagar on Monday,” a statement from APSSB secretary Santosh Kumar Rai informed.

Rai said that the APSSB discussed in detail the matter pertaining to examination which was held on February 2, 2020 and after careful consideration of all the facts available with the board, it was decided to cancel the examination.

“A new date for the examination would be notified soon. All the candidates who had received admit cards for the examination held on February 2, 2020 would be eligible to re-appear for the examination without paying any additional fees,” Rai said.

The APSSB secretary said that the board has also resolved to ensure transparency and fairness while conducting the future examination so as to ensure that appointments are made purely on merit basis.

The APSSB has of recent been drawing flak from all quarters for its alleged failure to conduct the examination in a fair manner.

Following allegations of malpractice, a case under several sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act was lodged on February 16 with the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) of the state police.

Accordingly, the SIC, has so far arrested 5 persons including APSSB under secretary Kapter Ringu and two data entry operators of the board in connection the case.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu had on Sunday said that an inquiry commission would be set up to investigate alleged irregularities in the examination.