Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) chairperson Jatinder Singh Aulakh on Thursday firmly refuted allegations of a paper leak in the recent examination for Agriculture Development Officers, held on June 30, 2024. An internal fact-finding investigation has found the accusations to be baseless and unsubstantiated, he said.
The controversy began when an educational coach from AGRIMENTORS, Chandigarh, posted a video on YouTube on the day of the exam, alleging, “without any proof”, that the examination paper had been leaked. Furthermore, allegations were circulated in electronic and print media, claiming a bribe of Rs 32 lakhs was accepted by a senior officer of the State’s Agriculture Department.
PPSS chief Jatinder Singh Aulakh clarified that no officer from the State Agriculture Department was involved in the examination process conducted by the PPSC. He emphasized that the Commission, under his leadership, has conducted all examinations with the highest standards of fairness and transparency. The internal investigation, backed by videographic and written records, confirmed that the examination process was secure and just.
“Contrary to the allegations, no candidate had access to the question paper before the exam,” said Aulakh. “Moreover, no candidate was allowed to enter any examination center after the start of the examination at 11 am,” he said, highlighting that the PPSC diligently followed all guidelines and norms, employing biometric machines, 5G jammers at every center, and deploying DFMD and HHMD devices for thorough frisking by security personnel, ensuring a foolproof process.
Aulakh further asserted that the baseless allegations appear to be an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the PPSC, a constitutional body known for its efficiency and meticulousness. He assured the public with utmost certainty and full responsibility that the paper was not leaked by the PPSC. Additionally, he recommended a strict inquiry to investigate the allegations of bribery. Should these allegations prove false, strict legal action will be taken against those attempting to create distrust among the public.
“The PPSC remains committed to the fair and impartial conduct of all recruitment examinations, ensuring candidates are not disheartened. These candidates represent the future of Punjab, and their trust in the system is paramount,” Aulakh added.
PPSC chief’s response came a day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had demanded an independent probe into the alleged leak of the question paper for selection of ADOs in Punjab. Former Minister and senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema had stated that the students have clearly mentioned that a senior officer of the Agriculture Department accepted a bribe of Rs 32 lakh to leak the paper. “They have e-mailed chief minister Bhagwant Mann in this context and even submitted a memorandum to the chief minister’s wife – Dr Gurpreet Kaur but the government is refusing to take any action in the matter,” Cheema had stated, while demanding that the paper be re-conducted and a case be registered in the matter immediately.
