NEW DELHI, June 22: Tura Lok Sabha MP Saleng Sangma on Monday called for additional UPSC examination centres in Tura and across the Northeast to assist aspirants from remote tribal areas.
Speaking as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, Sangma raised the issue during a meeting convened to discuss reforms in the UPSC examination system.
He noted that more centres would significantly help candidates from far-flung regions participate in the civil services exams.
Currently, while the UPSC Preliminary examination is held in various capitals and major cities, the Mains examination in the Northeast is restricted to select regional hubs: Dispur (Guwahati), Shillong, Kohima, Imphal, and Itanagar.
Sangma argued that commuting even short distances in the Northeast is often difficult due to challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
He stated that increasing the number of local centres is essential to ensure candidates can appear for these crucial tests without undue hardship.
The committee also heard from the Secretary of the Department of Personne &Training (DoPT) and the Secretary of the UPSC. Discussions included the filling of vacancies in the Central Government and the impact of the CSAT component on the Preliminary Examination.
