Odisha Dental Surgeon Recruitment Controversy: High Court Probes Selection Process

Odisha Dental Surgeon Recruitment Controversy: High Court Probes Selection Process

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has admitted to irregularities in its dental surgeon recruitment process, sparking serious concerns about the merit-based selection system. The controversy involves the selection of 11 candidates with low marks, while 6 candidates with higher scores were overlooked.

Key Developments

1. Recruitment Overview:
   • Advertisement Issued: March 17, 2018
   • Written Exam Conducted: May 6, 2018
   • Recommendations Published: August 9, 2018
   • Vacancies Advertised: 198 (Group-A Junior category of Odisha Medical Services)
   • Appointments Made: 171 candidates
2. Irregularities Identified:
   • Low-Scoring Candidates Selected: 11 individuals with lower marks were appointed.
   • High-Scoring Candidates Omitted: 6 eligible candidates were excluded despite scoring above the cut-off.
3. OPSC Admission:
   • Secretary Satyabrata Ray admitted to the errors and procedural discrepancies before the Orissa High Court.
   • Promise of Rectification: OPSC pledged to retract the recommendations for the 11 ineligible appointees.

Court’s Action

• Revised Merit List Ordered:
  The High Court directed OPSC to publish a revised merit list on its official website, explaining the circumstances of its preparation.
• Next Hearing:
  Petitioners were instructed to submit their responses in the follow-up hearing scheduled for December 16, 2024.
• Legal Commitment:
  The court expressed its resolve to thoroughly investigate the recruitment process’s integrity and legality.