APSC Scam: Erosion of Trust in Assam's Civil Service Exams

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) faced severe criticism for the irregularities in its civil service exams of 2013 and 2014, uncovered by the Justice BK Sharma inquiry committee. The panel highlighted the 'cash-for-job' scam, corrupt selection procedures, and the erosion of APSC's credibility, emphasizing the need for reforms.

The Justice BK Sharma inquiry committee has delivered a damning verdict on the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), describing it as a 'private guild' compromised by corruption during the 2013 and 2014 civil service exams. The report, submitted to the government, highlighted rampant malpractice and the commercialisation of public service jobs.

The inquiry revealed that systemic anomalies were entrenched within the Commission, culminating in the 'cash-for-job' scam of 2016. High-ranking officials, including former chairman Rakesh Paul, were implicated. The reports state the APSC's transformation from a constitutional body to a transactional entity severely undermined public trust.

The committee urged for stringent reforms to restore integrity to the examination process. While many implicated parties were removed, the continued presence of others in influential positions poses an ongoing threat to meritocratic selection, sending a dangerously wrong societal message.