GUWAHATI: The Assam unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly condemned the mismanagement of security checks, lack of proper examination procedures, and technical failures during the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE).
The party has lodged a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to address these serious violations.
“Multiple incidents of harassment were reported during the security checks, where female candidates were subjected to invasive and humiliating searches. Women were forced to endure inappropriate physical contact, causing them to lose their dignity in the name of security,” the party stated.
“The absence of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting these checks was evident, as the personnel deployed lacked the necessary instructions and training to handle the situation professionally and respectfully. Such gross violations of personal integrity are unacceptable and must be dealt with urgently,” it stated.
In addition to these distressing events, the party claimed that the alleged leak of the ADRE question paper has raised doubts about the integrity of the examination.
“With no proper or designated body in place to conduct such large-scale examinations, the burden was placed on the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), which is already overwhelmed with its responsibilities in school education. This has resulted in severe mismanagement, further eroding public trust in the recruitment process,” it stated.
The party claimed that technological problems exacerbated the chaos during the examination. A statewide internet blackout during the exam hours made it difficult for candidates to find their exam centers, as Google Maps and other crucial services were unavailable.
“Many students, especially those traveling from rural areas, could not avail cab services, adding to their stress and confusion. Candidates from districts such as Nagaon and Dhubri, where no exam centers were set up, had to travel long distances to cities like Guwahati, facing significant logistical and financial challenges,” it said.
According to AAP, such systemic failures highlight the urgent need for a dedicated, competent body to handle recruitment exams.
Punam Gogoi, Senior Leader of AAP Assam, said, “The current overburdening of SEBA is not a sustainable solution, as it impacts both the recruitment process and the smooth functioning of school education. Without proper guidelines, training, and infrastructure, the future of Assam’s youth is being jeopardized.”
AAP Assam firmly opposes this gross negligence and demands immediate action from the government, she said.
“We demand a thorough investigation into the mishandling of the examination, accountability for those responsible for the security lapses, and the establishment of a specialized exam-conducting authority. The rights, safety, and dignity of all candidates, especially women, must be safeguarded in all future recruitment processes,” Gogoi added.
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She further said, “We express our solidarity with the candidates and reiterate our commitment to ensuring that justice prevails. Our party has already lodged a formal complaint with the NHRC to bring these issues to light.”
