Governor seeks explation from APSC chief

BY our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, June 21: Governor PB Acharya today sought an explation from Assam Public Service Commission chief Rakesh Paul on the alleged anomalies in selection of candidates during the recent State civil service examition. Paul, who was summoned by the Governor, however, refused to come face-to-face with members of the Assam Public Works who have lodged a written complaint with Raj Bhavan. After meeting the Governor, Paul told reporters that he will give a "written reply" to the Governor regarding all the allegations.

"The APSC chair is such that even if God sits on it, there will be allegations," he said, ruling out his resigtion.

"If anyone feels there were irregularities, he can go to the court. I have no problem even if a CBI inquiry is instituted. I have asked the Chief Minister to order a judicial probe if he feels, but he has said there is no need," Paul said.

Sources said the Governor told a delegation led by APW president Abhijit Sharma that he will wait for the report of the inquiry ordered by the CM. "Depending on the report, the Governor will decide whether to recommend a CBI inquiry," Sharma quoted the Governor as saying.

The Governor also has reportedly asked the CM to ensure that the one-man inquiry committee headed by Additiol Chief Secretary Subhash Das submits its report within 10/15 days. The committee is probing five cases which were reported to the government.

The APW gave the Governor a list of selected candidates who were either relatives of senior officials of the commission or were connected to politicians.

The organizations also gave a list of selected candidates of the 2012 Assam Education Service examition who had furnished forged certificates.