RSSB may debar those who miss exams

Jaipur: Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) is considering a policy to debar students who fail to appear for three consecutive recruitment exams. Officials say the aim is to make students more sincere about the exams and to avoid wasting public funds.
The move, though, contrasts with the state govt’s policy of charging a one-time fee from students to ease their financial burden for appearing in recruitment exams.Student associations and unemployed youth organisations have voiced strong opposition to the RSSB’s proposed move.
Student representatives argue that there could be various legitimate reasons for candidates missing an exam, and the board cannot revoke their right to appear in future exams simply because they were absent in previous ones.
Ravindra Chaudhary, state coordinator of Rajasthan Berozgaar Ekikrit Mahasangh, said, “Such a step is against the rights and interests of students. Many students fill forms in advance to keep their options open. For instance, only after clearing the common entrance test (CET) can candidates apply for recruitment exams of different departments. If the candidates fail to reach the exam centre on time, for various reasons like traffic, weather conditions, or anything else, and they are debarred, their future will be spoiled.”
Chaudhary further said that on many occasions women candidates fill forms for recruitment exams, but due to various conditions like health, distance to the exam centre, and requirements of family, they are not able to sit for the exams.
“Even if a candidate gets debarred for a year, their chances at a govt job will be affected. They will lose a year and this can completely change the outlook of their life, especially for women candidates,” Chaudhary said. Retired Maj Gen Alok Raj, chairperson of RSSB, said, “The cost of holding an exam turns out to be Rs 400-500 per student. When candidates do not appear for the exams, the funds go waste. We are exploring options which will help increase attendance in the entrance exams and this is one of those. It has not been finalised yet.”