Vyapam under fire once again, this time for clerical error

A computer operator loaded names of 5,19,966 candidates as successful candidates for the second phase instead of 5,005

Madhya Pradesh's Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) has once again come under scanner after the infamous 'Vyapam scam', but this time due to a 'clerical error'.

The state-run board, commonly known by its Hindi acronym Vyapam, was, however, quick to rectify the mistake and suspended the computer operator concerned in this regard.

The board had conducted an examination for recruitment of 2,148 Forest Guards on August 14, 2015, and was supposed to shortlist candidates three times more than the advertised posts after the first phase of selection.

A computer operator, however, loaded names of 5,19,966 candidates as "successful candidates" for the second phase instead of 5,005 out of over 5.5 lakh aspirants who appeared in the first phase, leading to the controversy, an MPPEB official said.

By the time the board realised its mistake, it was too late and it once again came under fire from the Opposition after the infamous admission-cum-recruitment scam.

"We have suspended the computer operator responsible for the error and have taken corrective steps soon after the matter came to our light," PEB chairperson Aruna Sharma told PTI.

The board has also issued the amended result by disqualifying those who have not secured the minimum qualifying marks to enter the phase II of selection, she said.

Meanwhile, the State Youth Congress workers led by its president Kunal Choudhry staged a protest today before the PEB office, demanding that it should improve its functioning in a more transparent manner.

"Merely change of name will not serve the purpose. We demand that PEB should change its working system in a more transparent manner," Choudhry said.

Earlier, due to its (the board's) suspicious style of functioning, injustice was done with a large number of genuine candidates, he added.