The National Students Union of India (NSUI) Nagaland, on Monday, has appealed to the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the timely conduct of examinations of the once the 154 Forest Guard positions, without further delay.
While acknowledging the advertisement for the posts, the NSUI Nagaland has expressed surprise over the collection of an additional ₹100 as an examination fee from candidates who had already submitted their applications.
In an earlier RTI filed by the NSUI, it was revealed that 9,744 candidates applied for 115 Forest Guard posts advertised on 13th January 2023. An examination fee of ₹200 per candidate was charged, totalling 19,48,800, which has not been reimbursed to the candidates despite the examination being cancelled due to a “Cabinet decision” (as per the RTI reply).
The department’s recent notification (Serial No. 8 of the advertisement) states: “The balance examination fee of ₹100 shall be collected during the issuance of admit cards, subject to producing a payment receipt.” According to the NSUI Nagaland, the clause is entirely unreasonable, given the financial burden already imposed on candidates.
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“For instance, a candidate must spend ₹3,000-5,000 (depending on location) for food & lodging, conveyance to submit forms in Kohima. Many aspirants have already incurred significant expenses, and the department’s actions add further strain. Furthermore, the Union questions whether candidates who previously submitted their forms but lost their payment receipts (since the exam was cancelled without prior notice) will be required to submit their forms again. More clarity and flexibility on this matter for the aggrieved candidates would be appreciated. Additionally, the Union questions whether the examination fee of ₹200 will be reimbursed if the candidate does not apply again,” stated the Union.
The NSUI Nagaland also demanded that the additional fee of ₹100 be waived and recommended issuing digital admit cards instead of requiring candidates to travel from every nook and corner of Nagaland solely to collect physical copies in Kohima.
In this regard, the Union has appealed for the timely conduct of examinations once the notification is issued, without further delays from the Department, as the recurring cancellation of exams severely impacts aspirants.
