Orissa HC Seeks Government, OPSC Affidavits on OCS Aspirants Who Missed Exam Due to Cyclone
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has directed the Odisha Government and the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to submit detailed affidavits regarding candidates who allegedly missed the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Examination due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent flash floods.
Hearing a matter related to the OCS Main Examination conducted on October 31, the Court sought comprehensive information on the extent of disruption caused by the cyclone across the state.
The State Government, through the Chief Secretary, has been asked to provide details of districts affected by Cyclone Arnab, the duration and severity of the impact, disruption to road, rail and other public transport services during the examination period, and whether any affected districts were officially declared calamity-hit.
The Court also directed the government to furnish reports received from district collectors regarding interruptions in the movement of people during the examination days.
In addition, the OPSC has been instructed to submit centre-wise and date-wise attendance data, including details of candidates from cyclone-affected districts who remained absent from the examination.
Recognizing concerns raised by affected aspirants, the High Court asked both the State Government and the OPSC to examine the feasibility of conducting a special examination for candidates who were genuinely unable to appear despite their willingness to take the test.
The authorities have also been directed to suggest possible measures that could provide a fair opportunity to such candidates.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 6.
