The Combined Technical Association of Nagaland (CTAN) and Forest Guard aspirants on Thursday demanded the concerned authority to order re-examination of the Forest Guard Written Examination citing discrepancies and procedural lapses.
Addressing media persons at Kohima Press Club office, Co-Convenor, CTAN, Er Kaqheto Kughutu said that CTAN and the Forest Guard aspirants had come together in connection with the Forest Guard examination recently conducted by the Department of Forest. They informed that over the past few weeks, CTAN had received multiple complaints from aspirants regarding the conduct of the examination. In the interest of the aspirants, they decided to examine the loopholes and irregularities involved in the process.
He highlighted that the future and careers of more than 20,000 dedicated aspirants are at stake and should not be taken lightly. After thorough deliberation and discussion, they arrived at the conclusion to demand a re-examination.
CTAN further informed that a written application had been submitted to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, seeking a re-examination due to several serious irregularities observed during the conduct of the examination, which adversely affected transparency and fairness. The major issues highlighted included:
No OMR sheets provided: The examination was conducted without OMR sheets, raising concerns regarding accuracy, uniformity, and transparency in evaluation.
Negative marking not mentioned: There was no mention of negative marking in the examination notification or the question paper.
Question papers collected despite answer key release: Although question papers were taken back after the examination, the answer key was later released, preventing candidates from verifying their responses.
Correction pens allowed in some centres: Candidates were permitted to use correction pens in certain centres, which is against standard examination rules and was prohibited in other centres.
Medical Fitness Certificate fee charged: Candidates were charged ₹300 each in the name of a Medical Fitness Certificate.
Violation of recruitment ratio: Recruitment rules prescribe a 3:1 ratio of candidates for interviews based on written examination results; however, 29 extra candidates were allowed to appear for the interview.
Discrepancy in selected candidates: As per the corrigendum, 155 candidates were declared selected, while later only 154 candidates were selected.
Post-interview disqualification: A candidate bearing Roll No. 17482, who cleared the interview, was disqualified after three days on grounds of age.
Irregular inclusion in final result: A candidate with Roll No. 0103 neither qualified the written examination nor appeared in the interview notification, but was included in the final result.
Mismatch in merit lists: The merit list first declared on December 22 did not tally with the subsequent merit list released later.
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Chest measurement not conducted: Chest measurement, a mandatory physical eligibility criterion, was not conducted for candidates.
Approval based on verbal assurance: Approval for candidates was reportedly granted solely on verbal assurance.
In view of the discrepancies and procedural lapses, CTAN and the aspirants demanded the concerned authority to order a re-examination of the Forest Guard written examination to uphold fairness, transparency, and justice for all candidates.
CTAN Convenor, Meshenlo Kath stated that all these loopholes had been identified by CTAN and expressed hope that the concerned department would give due consideration to their representation and take necessary action in the interest of the aspirants and the integrity of the recruitment process. He further alleged that the department was attempting to save itself by adopting unethical practices and stated that the youth of Nagaland are frustrated. He added that it was embarrassing to see such a reputed department fail to conduct a proper examination.
He also appealed to parents and aspirants to be practical and come forward in support of the cause, stating that the issue concerns the future of Naga youth.
