The recent Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recruitment tests held in Srinagar have experienced a significant decline in candidate attendance, with only 43% of the expected number of candidates appearing for the exams. The low turnout has raised concerns about the reasons behind this decrease and the implications for the recruitment process.
The recruitment tests were conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and included two separate examinations: the Recruitment Test for Accounts Officer/Enforcement Officer (AO/EO) held in the forenoon and the Recruitment Test for Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner (APFC) held in the afternoon. These exams took place across 17 different centers in Srinagar.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations, the UPSC appointed the office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir as the coordinating and supervising authority. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, in turn, appointed 17 inspecting officers for the various centers and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, nominated mobile magistrates for each venue. A meeting was held by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, which included principals, venue coordinators, inspecting officers, and representatives from the police, security, and traffic departments to discuss the necessary arrangements for the exams.
Despite these preparations, the total number of candidates expected to attend the exams was 5835 for the posts of Accounts Officer and Enforcement Officer, while 6326 candidates had registered for the posts of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner. However, the actual attendance fell significantly short of these numbers, with only 2634 candidates appearing for the AO/EO exams and 2732 candidates attending the APFC exams. This low attendance rate resulted in an overall present percentage of 43% for both recruitment tests.
While the examinations concluded smoothly without any untoward incidents, the reasons behind the low attendance are multi-faceted. One major factor is the prevailing security situation in the region, which often leads to unrest and disruptions in the Kashmir Valley. Candidates faced challenges in traveling to the exam centers due to the uncertain environment and the fear of potential incidents. Limited availability of public transport also posed difficulties, particularly for candidates residing in remote areas or outside the city limits.
The low attendance recorded in Srinagar is a cause for concern, as it not only limits opportunities for local candidates but also hampers the overall objective of achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce within the EPFO. The recruitment process should provide equal opportunities for candidates from all regions to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
It is crucial to recognize that the low attendance in the recruitment tests is a symptom of the larger issues faced by the region. Addressing the underlying causes of the unrest, improving infrastructure, and promoting a conducive environment for candidates to participate in such exams are essential steps toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable recruitment process.
