Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has issued strict directions to recruitment boards across the state after a controversy erupted over the inclusion of the word “Pandit” as an answer option in the Sub-Inspector recruitment examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB).
The Chief Minister directed the chairpersons of all recruitment boards to ensure that no undignified remarks or content appear in examination papers that could hurt the dignity or religious sentiments of any individual, caste, creed or community.
He also instructed that similar guidelines be issued to all question paper setters involved in preparing examination papers for state recruitment tests.
The controversy began after a question in the Hindi section of the written exam held on March 14 asked candidates to select a one-word term for a person who changes according to opportunity.
The answer options reportedly included “Pandit”, “Opportunist”, “Innocent” and “Virtuous.”
The presence of “Pandit” as an option triggered criticism on social media, with several users alleging that it could hurt the sentiments of a community.
Following the row, the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board ordered an inquiry into the question.
In a statement posted late Saturday, the board said the question came from the first shift of the written examination conducted on March 14 for recruitment to the posts of Sub-Inspector (Civil Police) and other equivalent positions.
The board emphasised that it follows a strict and confidential protocol to maintain the integrity and secrecy of examination question papers before the test is conducted.
According to the board, no officer or employee at the board level is given access to question paper material prior to the examination in order to protect its confidentiality.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also ordered stricter accountability for those responsible for setting exam papers.
Adityanath directed authorities to blacklist individuals who repeatedly frame controversial or objectionable questions in recruitment examinations.
He further instructed that a clause mandating respect for social and religious sentiments must be included in the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with question paper setters.
In a separate development, the Chief Minister also reviewed the situation following recent rainfall in parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
He directed District Magistrates to personally visit affected areas to conduct immediate assessments of crop damage.
Adityanath also asked the state Relief Commissioner to maintain direct coordination with field-level officials and ensure that compensation is distributed promptly to farmers once damage assessments are completed.
