A startling revelation has emerged, shedding light on the operations of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), which has become embroiled in controversies related to paper leaks. A government inquiry has exposed that, in the past year, the RPSC Chairman made decisions in 258 cases, encompassing confidential matters, without convening a Commission meeting. In these instances, the Chairman utilized special powers, obtaining members’ input through circulation to fulfill formalities. While certain Commission members were already under suspicion, this revelation has now implicated the Chairman.
This revelation surfaced when the Personnel Department compiled comprehensive information in response to concerns raised by MLA Hanuman Beniwal in the Assembly regarding the RPSC. The investigation revealed that no full bench Commission meeting transpired from January 2023 to January 2024. During this span, the Chairman independently addressed 258 matters, including confidential issues. Essentially, throughout the entire year, all types of decisions were processed solely through circulation. Subsequently, on January 23, 2024, following the directives of the Cabinet after the formation of the BJP government in the state, a Full Commission meeting was held, leading to the postponement of the RAS examination.
In its response to the Personnel Department, the RPSC underscored a ‘loophole’ in the rules as the reason for not convening a Full Commission meeting. Citing the rules, the RPSC argued that, based on workload, a Commission meeting is scheduled as required. In cases requiring swift resolution, members’ opinions are sought through circulation. However, the pertinent question arises as to whether all 258 cases over the entire year warranted expedited disposal.
First India interviewed a former RPSC Chairman on this matter, who contended that major decisions are typically made by convening a Commission meeting. Circulation decisions occur only in exceedingly urgent situations. The former chairman also raised the query of the necessity of having Commission members when the Chairman makes all the decisions.
