The Haryana government, in a significant statement before the state assembly, has clarified that no case of examination paper leak was conclusively proved at the level of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) between 2014 and the 2024–25 period. This revelation came during the ongoing winter session in response to a query raised by Dabwali MLA Aditya Devilal.
CM Saini's Detailed Assembly Reply
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who presented the information, stated that while allegations of paper leaks surfaced in certain recruitment examinations, subsequent investigations failed to establish the involvement of any government officers or officials at the commission level. The government's stance underscores a distinction between allegations and proven misconduct within the premier HPSC.
However, the CM provided details on one specific HPSC exam where allegations emerged. He informed the House about the written examination for 383 posts of veterinary surgeon (Group-B) conducted on January 15, 2023. Following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the HPSC requested the Director General of Police to investigate the matter.
As the inquiry prolonged, the HPSC took a decisive step and cancelled the written examination on November 17, 2023. The commission then proceeded with the subject knowledge test and interviews, finally forwarding its recommendations to the concerned department on June 13, 2024. Saini clarified that the investigation report is still awaited and, so far, no HPSC official has been found involved.
HSSC Exams Cancelled, 29 FIRs Registered
The government's reply drew a sharp contrast with the situation at the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC). It was revealed that multiple examinations conducted by the HSSC were cancelled after attempts to leak question papers were suspected. This vigilant action was taken to protect the sanctity of the selection process, leading to the registration of 29 First Information Reports (FIRs) against private individuals across various districts.
The authorities have acted under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Haryana Public Examination Act, 2021. Detailed information about these FIRs, including the names of the accused and the police stations involved, was also placed on record in the House.
Three Major HSSC Exams Affected
The government detailed three significant recruitment drives that faced cancellation due to leak apprehensions:
1. Male Constable Examination (August 2021): This test was cancelled after authorities received information about attempts to leak the paper. The examination was later re-conducted, and the final result was declared in June 2022.
2. Gram Sachiv Examination (January 2021): This recruitment process was cancelled due to similar apprehensions of a paper leak. The posts were subsequently re-advertised under the Common Eligibility Test (CET) Phase-II, with results announced in October 2024.
3. Assistant Lineman Examination (March 2020): Held at the onset of the pandemic, this exam was also cancelled following suspicions of a leak. A re-examination was conducted in November 2021, and the results were declared in July 2022.
Upholding Examination Integrity
The government's comprehensive reply highlights a two-pronged approach: maintaining that the HPSC's processes have remained unbreached in terms of proven leaks over a decade, while simultaneously demonstrating proactive steps taken by the HSSC to cancel exams and initiate police action at the slightest hint of malpractice. This information, presented in the legislative assembly, aims to provide transparency on a sensitive issue affecting thousands of government job aspirants in Haryana.
