Manipur student bodies seek probe into MPSC question paper fiasco

Various student bodies on Monday demanded a high-level inquiry into an alleged negligence by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) which resulted in postponement of Manipur Civil Services examination on the previous day.
On Sunday, the MPSC cancelled the General Studies (GS) Papers III and IV of the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination 2022 after a major mix-up of question papers in examination halls. The candidates who appeared for the exam in Imphal and Guwahati centres were put in a state of confusion after they were mistakenly given the GS Paper IV instead of GS Paper III. The confusion forced the commission to cancel both papers to maintain “fairness and transparency” while rescheduling the examinations on November 22. While cancelling the exam, the MPSC clarified that the error occurred due to a printing mistake at the secured printing press, which resulted in a mismatch between the heading and the content of the question paper for Paper-IV (General Studies-III).
However, the credibility of MPSC was again questioned publicly as it was not the first controversy that surfaced in the conduct of recruitment examination that has strained the image of the state’s premier recruitment authority. Like in the previous instances, many student bodies raised their eyebrows while expressing their strong dissatisfaction with the alleged “serious negligence” on the part of the commission. The student bodies demanded a high-level inquiry into the unfortunate and unacceptable negligence in the conduct of such a crucial examination.
It’s a “gross act of negligence,” six student bodies stated in a joint statement, while insisting on a high level inquiry into the printing of the examination papers.
The error was unacceptable in an examination meant to recruit future bureaucrats and civil servants, the joint statement rued.
The latest mishap has severely damaged public confidence in the state’s premier recruitment body, stated the joint statement signed by leaders of the six student bodies – All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK), and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS). They also raised a serious question of confidentiality and accountability when they came to know from the controller of the examination (MPSC) that printing of question papers was outsourced to a printing press outside Manipur. While seeking an immediate and impartial investigation into the printing press, the student bodies warned against re-engaging the same press or any other entity involved in question paper handling in future.
Failure to act decisively could result in “serious consequences,” the bodies cautioned while urging the state authorities to take strict measures to ensure such lapses do not recur in future examinations.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) described the recent mishap in the conduct of the examination as “unprecedented negligence while seeking a probe by a high level inquiry committee.
A high-level inquiry committee must be constituted to investigate and identify those responsible for the unacceptable negligence and initiate disciplinary action, including against senior officials, the statement of SSUM signed by its publicity and information secretary Salam Inaoyaima Singh sought.
“The blunder highlights grave negligence and a breakdown in confidentiality and quality control, thereby undermining the commission’s credibility and integrity,” it added.
It recalled previous controversies, including the 2016 examination fiasco and asserted that such repeated mismanagement reflected “institutional incompetence and a lack of accountability” within MPSC, further eroding public trust.
While demanding a public apology from the MPSC authority on the matter with a detailed clarification regarding the procedural failure, the SSUM urged the implementation of strict preventive measures to avoid such lapses in future examinations.
A tribal based student body, while joining the chorus condemning the mishap in the MPSC, termed it as a “gross negligence” in the conduct of examination.
The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) alleged that the commission erroneously distributed the General Studies– IV paper, scheduled for the afternoon, in place of the General Studies – III paper meant for the forenoon session.
“This grave procedural lapse, despite multiple verification stages, caused immense confusion and distress among thousands of aspirants who have devoted years of preparation to this prestigious exam,” the statement signed by general secretary Thangminlun Thadou) of TSA stated.
It also alleged that repeated cancellations have severely affected the candidates who were appearing the examination at Guwahati centre.
Apart from facing financial losses, it also severe disrupted to their preparation, it pointed out.
While demanding a high-level inquiry to fix responsibility and take disciplinary action against those involved, including senior officials, the TSA also sought an immediate public apology and official clarification from MPSC.
The TSA further demanded permission for candidates who opted for the Guwahati centre, especially from the Thadou tribe/community, to shift remaining papers to Imphal, considering improved inter-community relations and to save time and resources.