Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Amid a raging controversy over the alleged examination malpractice in the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) examinations, the state government on Tuesday effected major administrative changes in the commission.
According to a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, OAS officer Satyabrata Ray has been appointed as the new Secretary of the OPSC. The appointment comes at a time when the OPSC is under close scrutiny following allegations related to irregularities in the Odisha Civil Services examination process.
In another significant appointment, OAS officer Sanjibeeta Ray has been posted as Additional Secreta
ry and Controller of Examinations of the OPSC.
The move is seen as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the commission’s administrative and examination management framework.
Meanwhile, the arrest of a candidate for allegedly cheating in the OSC examination conducted by the OPSC has triggered a detailed inquiry into possible security lapses at the exam centre.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process and prompted the district administration to initiate an investigation.
Sources said the focus of the probe is to determine how the candidate managed to carry a mobile phone inside the examination hall despite strict restrictions on electronic devices. The incident has led to questions about the effectiveness of security checks and monitoring arrangements at the centre.
A senior official said that an inquiry is underway and that a report has been sought from the Centre Superintendent regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The report is expected to clarify whether established examination protocols were followed and if any lapses occurred during the screening process.