Bangalore(DHNS) : United by a common cause, but drawn from different backgrounds, they are all up in arms against the government’s decision to drop the 2011 KPSC candidates’ selection list.
By unilaterally rescinding the selection of candidates for gazetted probationers’ post, by Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), the State government, say these successful aspirants, has blighted their future. Take Kempa Hanumaiah of Mysore. Visually impaired, he would have been the first such person to be a tahsildar.
However, now his dreams of expecting the appointment order are rudely shattered.Likewise, Ravi Ramaiah, belonging to the backward Soliga tribe, is currently serving as a constable in Mysore. This native of Beeranahalli in Hunsur Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, had secured 18th rank and was to be inducted as Deputy Commissioner of Police. He was the first from Soliga tribe to clear the exam.
Lamenting his fate, he bemoans: “Where is justice?” “I come from Soligara haadi. Each day I trekked to school, six km away from my hamlet. My selection brought joy among our community. Now, they wonder why the list has been rejected.”
Meanwhile, of 362 selected, 330 candidates, including toppers, continued the hunger strike going on for the last 20 days seeking their appointment letters.
Many spewed venom at the government stating they have been deprived of lifetime opportunity for no fault of theirs.
“If one candidate (Dr H P S Mythri, who approached the court seeking quashing of the list) is unhappy, why should we be punished. The government should have given us too an opportunity to put forth our case,” said Rina Suvarna, awaiting posting as Assistant Commissioner.
Rubbishing allegations that all candidates resorted to corrupt means to ensure selection, they said it was an unfortunate decision as most were breadwinners of their families.
“My father died long ago. I have an ailing mother who can hardly walk. I am a schoolteacher. I could not even afford coaching classes and studied on my own. Just because the CID said some candidates resorted to illegal means, the government cannot take such an unilateral decision. From where should we get the money to bribe officials,” asked Supriya Banagar, a teacher at Gajapur in Bellary district.
“Let the government appoint us and conduct an inquiry against all of us. If found guilty, we will not only resign, but return the salary along with interest. Is the government open for this,” questioned Gaurav Kumar Shetty, topper of 2011 batch.
