Allegation-hit JPSC all set to outsource Entire examination process

Ranchi ,Feb,2: Struggling  with the reputation of falling to take free and fare examination  and being consistently inconsistent, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has filally decided to outsource the process of examination to public or private firms.

 With the decision JPSC  will only confine itself into the role of monitor with minimal intervention into  their scrutiny, release of admit card publication of application forms,and publication of result, barring conducting exam and preparing results.

The JPSC has invited an EOI from capable firms to provide the services that would be available online to lakhs of examinees. The decision is already under implementation in several public service commissions, including the UPSC for recruitment process.

Speaking over the reasons behind the outsourcing decision, JPSC offocial said that the Commission intrested to do away with cumbersome examination process, starting from inviting applications for 30-odd exams in a year and finally publishing the result. “It has been a hectic work for the Commission particularly when it is struggling with insufficient staff and other infrastructure required. Outsourcing of this kind would ease the pressure on us. Process of inviting applications and its scrutiny, issuing admit cards, compilation of data and release of result would be done by the company,” said Controller of Examination RK Jha while talking to media.

This action was most warranted in the wake of regular controversies surrounding the JPSC amid charges of compromising on free and fair selection process. Most of the exam results have been challenged in the courts and are under the various stages of investigation .

Similar initiative done ahead of the 4th Civil Service faltered badly when names of candidate from several categories were repeated in other lists as well. The JPSC had appointed Kendriya Bhandar for similar services that failed in improving its functioning and conduct. Nevertheless, the JPSC don't want to any chances for this time.

Conditionality involved say the bidders should have been in business for a period of at least 3 years with established track record and posses 5 years of existence in the field of software development and IT related activities. ISO 9001:2000 certification and being in similar business with UPSC and other State Commissions, UGC etc would boost the chances.

“We have not looked for cost this time. Only firms with reputation in working with Commissions and proven track record in such services would be selected for the job. It is for bettering our image and also to expedite the recruitment process,” said a member of JPSC.

The company would be paid on per-application-form basis. A pre-bid conference has been conducted. The service is likely to be handed over to the selected firm in March 2012.