Candidates Who Didn’t Fetch Revised Cut-Off Marks Still Working As Dental Surgeons: OPSC To HC

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Bhubaneswar: Secretary of Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Satyabrata Ray on Thursday verbally admitted in the Orissa High Court that 43 candidates, who had scored more marks after revaluation, were not recommended for appointment whereas candidates with lesser marks than them were working against the post advertised by it.

He revealed so during the hearing of a writ petition filed by OPSC, challenging the 2022 single judge’s order of revising the marks obtained by the candidates, including those who were recommended and appointed subsequently, reported the New Indian Express.

Meanwhile, hearing into the matter is adjourned till next date of hearing on August 28 for further consideration along with OPSC secretary’s affidavit.

What’s the controversy?

The OPSC had invited applications for 198 dental surgeons in group-A (junior) of Odisha Medical Services (Dental) cadre posts on March 17, 2018. The written examination with objective type questions was held on May 6, 2018. Later, OPSC issued a notice, in which appointment of 171 candidates was recommended on August 9, 2018.
But, a controversy arose after some of the unsuccessful candidates questioned their non-selection. They questioned their non-selection on various grounds, including incorrect key answers. Thereafter, an expert committee was constituted to revisit the key answers.

The committee submitted its report on October 5, 2018 and indicated that 12 answers were incorrect. The expert committee also suggested revaluation, which found that 11 of the candidates—who were presently working as dental surgeons— scored below the revised cut-off marks.