A complaint filed against Surya Prasad Gautam, government joint secretary currently positioned as SLC Exam Controller, and former government education secretary Ram Swaroop Sinha alleges that the duo had violated government provisions by being a part of the team involved in question selection and answer sheet checking, knowing fully well that their close relatives were appearing in the exam.[break]
The result of the exam for school observers held in February was published last month and was in favor of Gautam´s spouse Indira Dhakal Gautam and Sinha´s daughter Antima Kumari Sinha, both of whom had appeared in the exam.
“The commission is investigating into the complaint against Gautam and Sinha,” said Rabi Lal Pantha, assistant spokesperson at the PSC.
As per the law that regulates PSC, a person cannot be a part of experts committee set up for civil service posts exams if his or her relatives are appearing in the exams.
“The law clearly states it is a moral obligation of an officer to inform the commission if his or her kin are appearing in a particular exam,” said Pantha, adding, “Such case has surfaced after a gap of seven years.”
The PSC, one of the most reputed government bodies, is responsible for all appointments to civil service posts.
Narhari Pokhrel, representative of the trade union at the PSC, said that his union would stage protest if the commission fails to take strict against those found guilty in the case. “We all respect the commission and expect strict against the errants,” said Pokhrel.
He said that the commission has decided to hold a meeting on the issue on Monday at the initiation of the PSC chairperson, secretary and members.
Meanwhile, Gautam, who was awarded as the first-rated civil servant of the country for 2010-2011, said that he was unaware about the complaint filed against him at the PSC.
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