Bengaluru: The state government's decision to cancel the 2011 KPSC notification over appointment of gazetted probationary officers (KAS) officers has received a mixed response. All the 362 affected candidates who were holding an open-ended protest at Freedom Park for the past 20 days, expressed their anger against the state government over its decision. Desperate, a few candidates even tried to set themselves ablaze.
The sorry story of Mr. Devraj R, a 6th rank holder in the examination who tried to set himself on fire by pouring petrol on himself, was an indication of the state government’s shoddy handling of the issue.
Mr. Devraj, who hails from a poor OBC family, got 6th rank. A father of a seven-month-old child, Mr.Devraj was waiting for his posting for the last one-and-a-half year. "I am leading my life with the support of the money sent by my parents. I studied hard for several years to realize my dream of becoming a KAS officer. The state government could have ordered a revaluation of answer scripts and re-interviewed everyone. Instead it has taken a hasty decision to cancel the whole examination. It has destroyed the dreams and efforts of hundreds of candidates who have secured jobs purely based on their merit," he explained.
‘Let CM explain’
Candidates who were staging a dharna at the Freedom Park wanted the CM to explain the reasons for the cancellation of the notification. ‘‘We didn't pay even a single paisa to get the job. We reached this post through hard work and sheer determination. Unfortunately because of the misdeeds of a few candidates, now we are paying a heavy price,’’ says Ms. Uma, another rank holder.
Mrs Suma, another candidate, who broke down at the Freedom Park, urged the state government to reconsider its decision. ‘‘Order a CBI investigation and punish the guilty. Please spare all those who worked hard for years,” she pleaded.
Mr. Gaurav Shetty, another candidate, informed that they will soon appeal to the state High Court seeking justice. "KPSC is an autonomous institution and the government can't force its decision. We cleared the exam with our talent and hard work. The government is not respecting hard work,’’ he said.
