To include sportsmen quota, PPSC set to advertise posts again

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 14

Thousands of civil services applicants waiting for their exam date will have to apply afresh as the state government has decided to introduce the sportsmen quota in the posts, to be filled by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). Following the recent decision of the Cabinet to provide recruitment to sportspersons in the state, the government has asked the PPSC to withdraw the earlier vacancy circular and “ask for fresh applications”, thus delaying the recruitment.

In a recent letter to the PPSC, a copy of which is with The Tribune, it has been stated by the Personnel Department that Recruitment of Sportsmen Rules, 1988, would be applicable to all upcoming exams. “In all cases where posts were advertised but the examination has not been conducted, a re-advertisement will be issued and all applicants will have to apply again. However, those who have already paid the fees need not pay it again,” it says.

Sources said the decision was likely to delay the examination as the PPSC would have to re-advertise the posts and give sufficient time to all new applicants, including sportsmen, to apply. The Punjab Government had notified the new rules for sportsmen in July 2020, a month after the posts were put up for being filled by the PPSC.

According to the PPSC website, the last date for filling the online application form was June, 20, 2020, while the Preliminary Combined Examination-2020 was tentatively scheduled for September. “However, the exact date for the preliminary examination is to be intimated later depending upon the public health safety situation,” it said. PPSC Secretary (Examination) Jasleen Kaur Sandhu said the chairman had received the letter. “The government has sought our comments only and the chairman is looking into the matter,” she said.

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