Guv urged to intervene as questions arise over changes in PSSSB recruitment criteria

Concerns over transparency and merit in government recruitment have resurfaced in Punjab following revelations about changes made in the selection criteria by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) during ongoing recruitment process. The issue has prompted a formal representation to the Governor of Punjab, seeking intervention to safeguard fairness and public confidence in state recruitment mechanism.

According to the representation, the PSSSB issued corrigenda in June 2022 for several recruitment advertisements, including removing the requirement for candidates to secure a minimum of 40 per cent marks in the written examination to qualify. This condition, considered a fundamental eligibility benchmark, was withdrawn after the recruitment process had already commenced.

The decision has raised serious questions regarding procedural fairness and adherence to established norms. Minimum qualifying marks are widely regarded as a basic quality-control measure in public recruitment, ensuring that shortlisted candidates meet an essential standard of competence.

Observers note that removing such a benchmark mid-process may dilute merit-based selection and weaken institutional credibility.

Sources indicate that the change has caused widespread concern among aspirants, particularly those who prepared for the examinations under the original eligibility conditions.

Many candidates believe that altering a core criterion after the process had begun may be to the disadvantage for those who relied on the initial rules and expectations. Such mid-course modifications, critics argue, appear arbitrary and undermine the principle of equal opportunity.

The matter has also reignited debate over the institutional oversight of recruitment for higher-level posts. It has been suggested that examinations for Group-B posts should be conducted by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), a constitutional body that functions under the supervision of the Governor. The PPSC’s mandate includes submitting annual reports on its functioning to the Governor, a mechanism seen as enhancing accountability, transparency, and constitutional propriety.

In addition to seeking restoration of the minimum qualifying marks, the representation calls for a detailed explanation from the PSSSB and the department concerned regarding the rationale behind removing the benchmark.

A comprehensive review of the affected recruitment processes has also been urged, with the aim of ensuring that interests of competent and deserving candidates are protected.

The issue holds particular significance in a state where government employment remains a major aspiration for the youth. Analysts point out that public faith in recruitment system depends heavily on consistency, clarity and adherence to merit. Any perception of diluted standards, experts warn, could have long-term implications for both administrative efficiency and public trust.

As the matter awaits response, stakeholders across the state are closely watching whether corrective steps will be taken. Many believe that timely intervention could help reaffirm the principles of fairness, transparency and merit that are expected to guide public service recruitment in a democratic system.