RecruitmentExams – Gehlot Questions Rajasthan Government’s Stand on Paper Leak Claims

RecruitmentExams – Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday disputed Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s statement that no paper leak incidents had taken place during the nearly two years and nine months of the current BJP government. Gehlot argued that several allegations linked to recruitment examinations deserved impartial investigation and greater transparency. His remarks have once again brought the issue of examination integrity into the political spotlight in the state.

Gehlot Raises Questions Over Recruitment Exam Investigations

In a statement, Gehlot alleged that the state government had not conducted fair and independent inquiries into complaints surrounding various recruitment examinations. According to him, several allegations involving examination irregularities have remained unresolved, raising concerns among candidates preparing for government jobs.

Referring to the NEET-UG examination, Gehlot claimed that reports related to an alleged paper leak were initially downplayed by the state administration and police authorities. He said the issue gained wider attention only after students approached the National Testing Agency (NTA), which brought the matter into the national discussion.

Former Chief Minister Lists Alleged Examination Irregularities

The Congress leader also referred to multiple incidents that he said reflected lapses in the examination process. Among them, he mentioned reports of a Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) examination paper being recovered in an unsealed envelope in Nawalgarh of Jhunjhunu district. He also cited allegations that question papers for a lecturer recruitment examination were received with broken seals.

In addition, Gehlot pointed to claims of cheating during the Lower Division Clerk (LDC) recruitment examination at Swami Vivekananda Model School in Jaisalmer. He further referred to the alleged OMR sheet manipulation case involving a technical head associated with the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB), saying these matters required thorough scrutiny.

SI Recruitment Exam and Government Response

Gehlot also commented on the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination, stating that although the BJP government eventually cancelled the recruitment process, it had initially opposed the cancellation before the Rajasthan High Court. He further alleged that candidates who protested over recruitment-related concerns faced police action during their demonstrations.

According to Gehlot, such developments have created uncertainty among aspirants seeking transparency in the recruitment process and accountability from the authorities responsible for conducting examinations.

Congress and BJP Compared on Handling Paper Leak Cases

Drawing a comparison between the previous Congress administration and the present BJP government, Gehlot said his government had taken extensive action against those allegedly involved in paper leak cases. He claimed that more than 400 arrests were made during the Congress tenure, while properties linked to accused individuals were demolished and senior officials were removed from their positions.

He also highlighted the enactment of a stringent anti-paper leak law during the previous government. According to Gehlot, the legislation introduced provisions including life imprisonment, financial penalties of up to ₹10 crore, and confiscation of properties connected with those found guilty of involvement in examination fraud.

BJP Yet to Respond to Fresh Allegations

Gehlot further alleged that the BJP government, during its earlier tenure between 2013 and 2018, had failed to effectively curb paper leak incidents. He maintained that his administration had adopted stronger measures to tackle examination-related misconduct and protect the credibility of recruitment processes.

Concluding his statement, Gehlot accused the current government of attempting to avoid accountability instead of addressing concerns raised over recruitment examinations. The BJP government had not issued an immediate response to his latest allegations. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has previously maintained that no paper leak has taken place during the tenure of the present government.