Chandigarh-Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Sardar Pargat Singh has raised serious questions over the recently declared Punjab PCS Mains examination results and sought answers from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He said that while 751 candidates have been shortlisted for 331 posts, the concerns being raised by candidates over alleged irregularities in the selection process cannot be ignored.
Sardar Pargat Singh said that candidates have raised questions over the selection of 10-11 candidates from certain individual rooms across four examination centres, shortlisting rates exceeding 40 per cent in some rooms, a selection rate of 24.21 per cent at one centre and just 2.89 per cent in a room at another centre. Concerns have also been raised over consecutive roll numbers appearing among selected candidates and the alleged inclusion of roll numbers of candidates who were absent from the examination. The PPSC must provide a factual and transparent explanation on all these points.
He said that this issue is not merely about the selection of a few candidates or the examination results; it concerns the transparency, fairness and credibility of the entire government recruitment system in Punjab. Thousands of young aspirants work day and night to prepare for competitive examinations, carrying the hopes and expectations of their families. Questions over the selection process inevitably undermine the confidence of these aspirants.
Pargat Singh demanded that the PPSC Chairman come forward publicly and answer all the questions being raised. He also called for an impartial investigation into the centre-wise and room-wise selection data, attendance records and complaints relating to roll numbers. The inquiry must be conducted by an independent agency whose impartiality is beyond doubt.
Questioning Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he asked whether his government is genuinely committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process for the youth of Punjab. If the selection process is completely above board, neither the government nor the PPSC should have any difficulty in presenting the facts and clarifying the situation. He demanded an immediate response from the government and an impartial investigation into the matter.
Sardar Pargat Singh said that the youth of Punjab do not seek recommendations or special treatment; they deserve equal opportunities to secure government jobs solely on the basis of their hard work and merit. It is the government's responsibility to answer every question raised over the recruitment process and restore the confidence of the state's young aspirants.