Chhattisgarh Civil Services Exam Scandal: Former PSC Chief Arrested Amid Protests

In a significant development following widespread youth protests, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has apprehended Taman Singh Sonwani, the former chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (PSC). His arrest is tied to allegations of money laundering connected to irregularities in the civil services examinations conducted in 2020 and 2021. This move comes just a day after the Union Cabinet approved amendments aimed at fortifying the Public Examinations Prevention of Unfair Means Act for 2024.

The new amendments, which are set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, propose stricter penalties for those involved in examination malpractices, a two-month deadline for investigations, and the establishment of a Special Task Force dedicated to investigating serious offenses related to examinations. These reforms are a direct response to the mounting pressure from student groups and public outcry over the alleged corruption that has marred the integrity of competitive examinations in India.

The roots of this inquiry lie in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2024, which stemmed from a complaint lodged by the Chhattisgarh Police. This FIR was catalyzed by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s rise to power in the state in 2023, which has since prioritized tackling systemic corruption in public services.

Sonwani’s arrest occurred in Raipur after he was questioned by the ED, with officials indicating that his responses to inquiries were less than forthcoming. The agency has accused him of leaking examination question papers and manipulating candidate selections in return for bribes, favoring not only relatives but also candidates who were willing to pay for advantageous positions.

This scandal has raised alarms about the integrity of public examinations, which are a gateway to stable careers for many young Indians. The government’s announcement of new measures represents a crucial step toward restoring public trust in the examination process. As investigations continue, stakeholders await further developments, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.

Source: scroll.in