Editor,
I am writing to address a significant issue regarding the Meghalaya Public Service Commission, MCS Preliminary Examination held on November 4, 2023. The initial results were announced on December 15, 2023 (580 were declared successful), but it has only recently come to light publicly that there were errors in the examination questions, as confirmed by the MPSC on July 23, 2024.
The MPSC has now included 62 additional successful candidates to the original list, attempting to apply the doctrine of equality. However, this approach does not fully resolve the fairness and justice issues at hand. MPSC has further announced the tentative Mains examination from 23rd September, 2024. The fact that some candidates have had over seven months of preparation while the newly declared successful candidates have none, is a significant disparity.
Moreover, in an examination with confusing and lengthy questions, any error in the questions would have significantly impacted the performance of the candidates. Such errors can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and wasted time, all of which can severely hinder a candidate’s ability to answer accurately and completely. This not only affects their overall performance negatively but also their confidence during the examination. The stress and uncertainty caused by these errors further exacerbate the challenge, making it unfair and undermining their performance.
The 62 newly declared candidates are expected to prepare for a comprehensive Mains examination, including four General studies papers, an Essay, an English paper, and also two papers of an Optional Subject, all within just two months. This period is insufficient for thorough preparation, particularly given the nature of the descriptive papers and the necessity to stay updated on current events, which the new candidates have missed out on for more than seven months.
The Controller of Examinations (MPSC) mentioned in a past interview pertaining to MCS, Prelims examination, that candidates who have prepared will find the exam easy, while those who haven’t will find it difficult. Given the current situation, where some candidates have had a head start of 7 months plus and others none, this statement raises concerns about fairness. How can fairness be maintained when preparation time is so unequal ?
Given this context, errors in questions, delayed action and notification, half- baked attempts to rectify this botched-up exams are just the issues that have surfaced. It raises serious concerns about potential underlying issues, back door entry, nepotism if the examination is not reconducted.
The MPSC might argue that reconducting the examination is impractical. However, considering the example of the Meghalaya Police Recruitment in July 2018, where a technical fault in evaluating OMR sheets led to the cancellation and re-conducting of one paper of the exam it seems feasible. If the Meghalaya Police could manage a fresh examination despite a large number of candidates, the MPSC should not use impracticality as an excuse. Failure to correct the situation might suggest potential compromises, making the examination less credible.
The integrity of an examination also relies on the accuracy and fairness of the questions. Errors in the questions compromise this fundamental integrity, as they affect the validity of the assessment. The reliability of the examination results is compromised when errors are present, detected and publicly notified only after more than 8 months from the date of the Preliminary Examination.
The MPSC’s attempt to apply the doctrine of equality has not succeeded. By acknowledging errors in the questions and addressing them only after a significant delay, they have inadvertently created an unfair advantage for some candidates while disadvantaging others. This failure undermines the principle of equality they aim to uphold.
While the inclusion of additional candidates is a step towards rectifying the situation, it does not resolve the underlying fairness concerns. Reconducting the examination is the most equitable solution to restore integrity and ensure a fair competitive process for all candidates.
Yours etc.,
Mih Dkhar
Jowai
North Eastern States must set their house in order
Editor,
The news item “Budget has nothing for NE: Pala” (ST July 24, 2024) made interesting reading. According to the Union Budget 2024-25 Consolidated Fund of India, Revenue Account – Disbursements for Special Areas Programme for North Eastern Areas (Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources) under head 2552 the actuals for 2022-2023 indicates Rs 671.56 crores; the Budget Estimate for 2023-24 shows as Rs 69,839.73 crores while the RE 2023-24 shows Rs 66,408.83 crores and the Budget Estimate 2024-25 indicates Rs 75,216.09 crores. Those interested can analyze what these figures mean but it cannot be said that the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources of the Government of India which commenced from 1998 is zero for the North Eastern Region for the current financial year. The fact is that the Budgeted amount for the current financial year is Rs 75,216.09 crores. This is a substantial amount for the North Eastern Region but the right question to ask is whether the North Eastern States are in the position to absorb such huge funds provided liberally by the Government of India for Special Area Programmes for the region.
I was instrumental in monitoring this fund when I was with the Government of India and I know that the North Eastern States are very poor in absorbing the funds provided by the Centre. In fact, what is important is that the Government of India should provide State-wise how this fund is channelized and what is the absorption rate of the 8 North Eastern States separately. It is absolutely incorrect to say that the Government of India is not providing the funds adequately to the region when it is liberal in providing the same. The eight North Eastern States should set their own houses in order before blaming the Government of India.
Yours etc.,
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Inclusion and terminology
Editor
Apropos of the news item, ‘Women’s body felicitates notable personalities ( ST July 22, 2024) it is now the turn of Sarada Sangha to be feted for their remarkable work and achievements. In launching their quas-qui-anniversary (125th ) on July 21st at Ram Krishna Mission Shillong, they not only honoured notable achievers in diverse fields but they also extended their ambit by felicitating the underprivileged and disadvantaged too.
Though the city event was well covered by the ST reporter, it must be pointed out that Ms Sona Choudhary (felicitated for overcoming multiple disabilities ) was reported to have taught for twenty years at the Deaf and Dumb School. Does such a school exist in Shillong? It is rather doubtful as the words deaf and dumb are considered insensitive and unacceptable in modern day principles of inclusive education. In fact, she actually taught at the School and Centre for Hearing Handicapped Children, Shillong .
Yours etc.,
Mondakini Basu
Secretary, Society for the Welfare of the Disabled,
Via email