Uttar Pradesh: UPPSC orders investigation into alleged paper leak in Review Officer Exam

In response to the recently leaked question paper of the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), the Commission has taken decisive action by initiating a thorough investigation.

The Commission, on February 11, issued orders for the examination to be probed by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF).

The UPPSC has also formed an internal committee tasked with scrutinising the examination and addressing the candidates’ complaints of paper leaks. This committee is set to investigate the alleged irregularities and will subsequently submit a detailed report to the Commission.

In addition to the internal committee, the UPPSC has officially reached out to the Government, requesting further investigation by the Special Task Force (STF).

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav expressed his concerns regarding the incident, suggesting a conspiracy by the BJP Government. In a tweet on February 11, Akhilesh Yadav wrote, “Review officer’s paper was also leaked in Uttar Pradesh. This seems to be a conspiracy of the BJP Government with the future of the candidates because this Government does not want to provide jobs to the unemployed.”

Earlier on February 9, the Rajya Sabha passed ‘The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024’ aimed at curbing leaks, malpractices, as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC, etc and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET.

The Bill, which has already been passed by the Lok Sabha, will now become a law. “Prevention of Unfair Means Bill, 2024” will also cover entrance examinations held by the Union Public Service Commission, the Staff Selection Commission, the Railways, banking recruitment examinations and all computer-based examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said the Bill would ensure more transparency and a time-bound selection process and provide a level-playing field. The Government will encourage the States to adopt the Bill.

(with inputs from ANI)