Assam CM Bats For New SOP, Directs Inquiry Into Allegations of Women Cop Searching Girl Student’s Private Parts Before Entering the Exam Hall

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday called for developing a proper standard operating procedure (SOP) with regards to searches involving women during government recruitment examinations, ahead of the

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday called for developing a proper standard operating procedure (SOP) with regards to searches involving women during government recruitment examinations, ahead of the next round of Assam Direct Recruitment Examinations (ADRE).

CM Sarma’s statement comes following an incident in Nalbari on Sunday wherein, a female candidate accused a woman constable of searching her inappropriately before she entered the examination hall for the ADRE test.

The Assam CM has also directed DGP GP Singh to investigate the incident.

Taking to social media, CM Sarma said, “My instruction to the police on the Nalbari incident – I spoke with the DGP, Assam, @gpsinghips and instructed him to investigate the incident where a girl student has alleged that a lady constable searched her private parts before she entered the examination hall. For me, the dignity and respect of our mothers and sisters are of utmost importance and non-negotiable.”

“The DGP also informed me of another incident in North Lakhimpur, where cheating material was recovered from the inner garment of a girl student on the same day. We have two crucial tasks before us: 1. To conduct the ADRE examination with the highest level of integrity and transparency. We owe this to the entire younger generation of ours, and it cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” CM stated.

My instruction to the police on the Nalbari incident –
I spoke with the DGP, Assam, @gpsinghips and instructed him to investigate the incident where a girl student has alleged that a lady constable searched her private parts before she entered the examination hall. For me, the…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 16, 2024

He further added, “At the same time, we must ensure the decency and dignity of our female candidates are upheld at all times. Therefore, a proper SOP should be developed, taking into account the relevant judgments from the Hon’ble Courts and guidelines from the Women’s Commission regarding the conduct of searches involving women, and this must be circulated before the next round of examinations.”

Meanwhile, DGP GP Singh has ordered an enquiry into allegations of harassment during security checking’s of aspirants who turned up yesterday to appear for the mega recruitment exams.

The Assam DGP has given the responsibility of probing into the allegations to Central West Zone DIG. DGP Singh also said on social media that since the DC and SP of Nalbari district are women, he expects fast results in this matter.

Earlier, CM Sarma on Sunday appreciated the efforts of the state administration for the smooth conduct of the government’s one of the largest direct recruitment examinations where more than 11 lakh applicants appeared.

Taking to X, Sarma wrote: “The first ADRE exam has concluded peacefully. My deepest gratitude to all the officers and staff of the Assam Government who have successfully completed this monumental task without any issues. I once again assure our younger generation that transparency will remain our hallmark when it comes to government recruitment.”

The state government adopted a slew of measures, including shutting down the internet on Sunday for three hours to conduct a free and fair examination process.
Over 11 lakh candidates are set to appear for the exam at 2,305 centres across 28 districts. Out of these, 429 centres have been marked as sensitive centres due their geographical location and past history of cheating and other malpractices.
Mobile internet services was also suspended for four hours from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM as the Assam government hold the recruitment exam to fill over 7,000 government posts across 28 districts in various departments.

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