On the first day of the Rajasthan Assembly session, Shiv MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati raised a significant demand regarding the state's recruitment process. He called for the abolition of the interview system for government recruitments up to the 4200 Grade Pay level. Bhati arrived at the Assembly building carrying a placard to draw attention to the plight of lakhs of young aspirants in the state who dedicate years of hard work to secure government jobs. He emphasized that the selection process must be based on equal opportunity, transparency, and clear criteria of merit.
The Rationale for Abolishing Interviews
Ravindra Singh Bhati pointed out that the dual selection system, which includes both a written examination and an interview for the same grade of jobs, raises several questions among the youth. He noted that the Central Government and more than 20 states across India have already abolished interviews for many government recruitments up to the 4200 Grade Pay. By doing so, these regions have made their selection processes more transparent and merit-oriented. Bhati argued that Rajasthan should follow suit to ensure that the youth feel confident in the fairness of the recruitment system.
Departments and Posts Under Scrutiny
The MLA highlighted specific departments in Rajasthan where the interview system is still prevalent despite the written exams.
- Devsthan Department
- Cooperative Department
- Tehsildar Service
- Excise Department
- Industry Department
- Food Department
- Child Development Services
- Social Justice and Minority Affairs
- Labor Welfare Department
- State Agriculture Marketing Board
Also, Bhati listed several recruitment processes conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) that still involve interviews. These positions include Assistant Professor (College Education), Librarian, PTI, Sub Inspector, Platoon Commander, Deputy Jailer, Vidhi Rachnakar, Junior Law Officer, and several other posts. He argued that the continuation of interviews for these roles, especially after a rigorous written test, creates an unnecessary hurdle and potential for bias.
Call for Comparative Study and Reform
Ravindra Singh Bhati urged the state government to conduct a comparative study of the selection processes for similar grade recruitments in the Central Government and other states versus Rajasthan. He requested a thorough review of the necessity of interviews for these positions. Bhati stated that in posts where there is no actual practical necessity for an interview, the practice should be discontinued immediately. This move, according to him, would restore the faith of the youth in the selection process, ensuring transparency, impartiality, and equal opportunities for all candidates striving for a career in the public sector.