SC Verdict Stalls Recruitment Of 8,500 Police Personnel

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The recruitment process for 7,500 constables, 1,000 sub-inspectors, and clerical staff in the state has come to a standstill following a Supreme Court verdict, officials said on Friday. The state government is yet to take a final decision on the matter.

The Supreme Court ruled that no live registration on the employment portal is required to appear in the exam. Following this decision, the Police Headquarters (PHQ) sought guidance from the government regarding the examination. However, even after two months, no final decision has been made.

Only after receiving government instructions will the police department issue a written letter to the Employee Selection Board (ESB) to announce the advertisement for these 8,500 posts.

This year, 7,500 constables, 500 sub-inspectors, subedars and platoon commanders, and 500 clerical staff including 100 stenographers are to be appointed in the state.

Earlier, a petition was filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging the condition of ‘live registration with the employment office’ for recruitment. The High Court ruled in favour of the petitioners.

The MP government appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the High Court’s verdict and ordered the government to remove the condition of live registration.

As per existing rules, live registration was mandatory for the 8,500 posts for which recruitment was to be initiated. Following the Supreme Court order, PHQ wrote to the government in April seeking guidance, but the government is yet to respond, leaving the recruitment process on hold.

90% prep for recruitment process complete

For 500 posts of stenographers and clerical staff, PHQ has made typing and dictation tests mandatory along with a diploma. For 500 posts of Sub Inspector, Platoon Commander, and Subedar, candidates must clear a main exam after the preliminary test.

The main exam consists of two question papers of 300 marks each on subjects including Indian History, Indian Law, Social Legislative Law and Quantitative Analytics. Under new rules, 10 times the number of candidates than the total posts fixed will be selected for the main examination for this cadre.

Merit, physical test, interview

Successful candidates based on merit must pass a physical efficiency test worth 100 marks. After the physical test, three times the number of candidates than vacancies will be shortlisted. This will be followed by an interview carrying 50 marks. Written and physical efficiency test procedures remain the same for the 7,500 constable posts.

Govt decision awaited

“After the Supreme Court decision, we have sought guidance from the government. As soon as we get the reply, we will finalise recruitment rules and send them to the ESB, which will conduct all three exams,” said Sonali Mishra, ADG, Recruitment and Selection, PHQ.