Debabrata Saikia writes to Kerela CM regarding question paper-leak scandal

Leader of Opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Thursday wrote to Kerela chief minister regarding the question paper-leak scandal. In the letter, Saikia drew the attention to the fact that the Kerala State Electronic Development Corporation (Keltron) has become embroiled in a question paper-leak scandal pertaining to a written test for 597 vacant posts of Sub-Inspectors of Police under the Government of Assam.

Saikia stated that the Government of Assam had chosen Keltron to conduct the written examination for said posts. However, the question paper got leaked on social media a day prior to the scheduled examination on 20th September, 2020. As a result, the fate of around 66,000 applicants has become shrouded in uncertainty. According to preliminary reports, the leak occurred because Keltron awarded sub-contracts to two local firms, namely Amain Tech Consultants Private Limited and M/s Akshay Tele Communications, which have dubious bona fides. While the first firm has already been involved in at least two question paper-leak scandals involving other departments of the Government of Assam in recent times, the other firm is reported to be operating as a call centre and has no experience of conducting an important examination of this sort.

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He further stated that as such, there is ample scope to believe that Keltron blindly awarded the sub-contracts at the behest of BJP leaders of Assam. It is evident that Keltron awarded the sub-contracts with the intention of earning easy profits while ducking its responsibility, without considering the consequences.

Saikia added this sort of mercantile mentality is not expected of a firm representing a highly literate state like Kerala. Keltron has committed a serious lapse by failing to properly ascertain the track record of the sub-contractors. As mentioned above, this lapse has caused great distress to thousands of local qualified youths of Assam. After all, this tainted process has paved the way for candidates of low merit securing jobs due to political considerations, at the cost of deserving candidates.

As such, I request you to call for an explanation from the authorities of Keltron regarding the scam, which has grave ramifications, because such connivance with corruption should never be condoned. Further, the authorities of Keltron may be instructed to exercise extreme caution while conducting similar examinations in Assam in future, because leakage of question papers of recruitment-related examinations has become the norm in Assam under the present BJP-led state Government. I trust you will appreciate the concern for local unemployed youths which has motivated me to seek your assistance in this sensitive matter, added Saikia.

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