Himachal to host conference of public service commissions

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) will host a three-day national conference of state public service commission chairpersons in the state capital from April 17, its chairman K.S. Tomar said on Thursday.

The objective of the conference is to evolve a mechanism to ensure more transparency and maintain credibility in the selection of candidates for various jobs, an official statement quoting Tomar said.

It said Tomar called on Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman Deepak Gupta in New Delhi on Thursday and discussed with him the tentative agenda of the conference to be held for the first time in the state.

Tomar also apprised the UPSC chairman about the decision of the state commission to switch over from the Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) pattern to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) system of the main written examination and abolishing one optional subject of 300 marks.

He also detailed other reforms introduced by the state commission, including online applications, toll-free services and e-barcode to maintain secrecy.

Tomar briefed Gupta about the 'model and modern library project' which would benefit the aspirants for HAS and civil services, especially candidates belonging to the rural areas. The state government has sanctioned Rs.2.80 crore to implement this project, he added.