Candidates allege question paper leak in clerical exam

Bhawanipatna: Candidates aspiring for the post of junior clerks/junior assistants staged a dharna in front of the collectorate here alleging that the mathematics question paper of the examination conducted by Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) had been leaked over social media before the test on December 22, 2019.

They demanded re-examination and Crime Branch inquiry into the paper

leak

and submitted a memorandum to the collector (Kalahandi). The OSSSC had advertised for 1,746 posts in the state, out of which 106 posts were for Kalahandi. Around 4 lakh candidates appeared for the exmaination with 3,700 being from Kalahandi.

Dasarathi Pradhan, a candidate from Tundla, told the media that mathematics paper was leaked on Whatsapp before the examination and the solution to the problems were also circulated. The mathematics examination was scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm.

“We are not sure from which place the question paper was leaked but can say that some candidates were browsing the cellphone before entering the examination hall. We are demanding a Crime Branch inquiry and re-examination,” he said.

The examination of 385 marks consists of written test in Odia, English, General Knowledge, Mathematics and Computer and is held in two phases. Candidates are selected on cut-off mark basis. The candidates alleged that they have apprised the authorities at the examination centre of the matter but they kept mum.

Collector (Kalahandi), Gavalli Harshad Parag said additional district magistrate and superintendent of police (Kalahandi) have been asked to inquire into the allegation. He said the candidates will have to provide strong evidence whether the question paper was circulated before the examination and accordingly an inquiry will start.

“Those who are alleging need to provide a strong evidence. Whether the paper was leaked in the district or from some other place, it needs to be found out. Once we get it, action will be taken,” the collector said.