Himachal govt resumes recruitment for 1,226 constable posts after paper leak controversy
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DHARAMSHALA: The Himachal Pradesh government has restarted the recruitment process for 1,226 constable posts in the state police, a move aimed at restoring trust after a previous hiring attempt was scrapped due to a paper leak scandal. This time, the recruitment will be conducted through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
The recruitment process had been paused due to the model code of conduct enforced during the Lok Sabha elections and Assembly by-elections. Now, with elections concluded, the government has issued new guidelines, including an increase in the reservation for women from 25 per cent to 30 per cent. The allocation includes 818 posts for male constables, 351 for woman constables and 57 for male drivers.
The government has taken several steps to ensure the integrity of the process. All class III posts will be filled via direct recruitment by the HPPSC, with written examinations conducted by the commission to maintain transparency. The posts will be distributed according to the population ratio and reservation roster of each district.
Following is the district-wise breakdown of the posts:
Bilaspur: 46 male constables, 19 female constables, 3 drivers
Chamba: 62 male constables, 27 female constables, 4 drivers
Hamirpur: 54 male constables, 23 female constables, 4 drivers
Kangra: 180 male constables, 77 female constables, 12 drivers
Kinnaur: 10 male constables, 4 female constables, 1 driver
Kullu: 52 male constables, 22 female constables, 4 drivers
Lahaul-Spiti: 4 male constables, 2 female constables
Mandi: 119 male constables, 51 female constables, 8 drivers
Shimla: 97 male constables, 42 female constables, 7 drivers
Sirmaur: 63 male constables, 27 female constables, 5 drivers
Solan: 69 male constables, 30 female constables, 5 drivers
Una: 62 male constables, 27 female constables, 4 drivers
The recruitment process has been tainted by past controversies. During the previous BJP government, the written exam for police constables was marred by a paper leak scandal, prompting an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This scandal had led to widespread criticism and eroded public trust in the recruitment process. The CBI investigation is still ongoing and its findings are eagerly awaited.
To address these concerns, the current government has emphasised the importance of a transparent and fair hiring process. The involvement of the HPPSC and the updated guidelines are intended to prevent any malpractices and restore confidence among the candidates and the public. The government is under pressure to ensure that this recruitment drive is free from the controversies that plagued its predecessor.
