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The Group-II Services Main examination, conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), unfolded peacefully in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, marking a significant event amidst ongoing protests. These protests, fueled by a segment of aspirants, centered around demands for the postponement of the examination. The demonstration stemmed from concerns regarding reservation rosters, which protesters insisted should be clarified before the examination proceeded. Despite the fervor surrounding these demands and the potential for disruption, the APPSC proceeded with the examination as scheduled, demonstrating a firm commitment to the established timeline and procedural integrity. In response to the heightened tensions and the potential for unrest, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was imposed across the district. This measure, designed to prevent unlawful assembly and maintain public order, effectively restricted gatherings and demonstrations. Complementing the imposition of Section 144, drone surveillance was strategically deployed to monitor the situation from above, providing real-time insights into crowd movements and potential security threats. This multifaceted approach to security underscores the seriousness with which authorities approached the task of ensuring a peaceful and orderly examination environment. The decision to implement such stringent security measures reflects a broader understanding of the sensitivities surrounding the examination process and the need to safeguard the integrity of the evaluation. By proactively addressing potential risks, authorities aimed to prevent any disruptions that could compromise the fairness and transparency of the examination process. Furthermore, the high attendance rate observed during the examination suggests a significant level of engagement from eligible candidates, despite the ongoing protests and the associated disruptions. This robust participation rate could indicate the recognition of the importance and significance attached to the Group-II Services within the Andhra Pradesh Public Service framework. The combination of factors including the imposition of Section 144, the deployment of drone surveillance, and the robust attendance rate, underscore the complex interplay of forces that shaped the examination environment. Ultimately, the successful conduct of the examination under these conditions speaks to the resilience of the APPSC and the commitment of authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and transparency. The outcome provides important insights for future examination procedures and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated strategies in managing potential disruptions and maintaining public order during high-stakes events.
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) orchestrated the Group-II Services Main examination across 16 designated centers within the Visakhapatnam district. Despite persistent protests from aspirants advocating for a deferral, the commission adhered to the pre-established schedule, conducting the examination in two distinct sessions. This decision underscores the APPSC's commitment to maintaining its operational calendar and upholding the integrity of the examination process, despite external pressures and potential disruptions. The protests, primarily centered around concerns related to the clarity and implementation of reservation rosters, failed to sway the commission's resolve, reinforcing the APPSC's stance on procedural adherence and fairness. The morning session witnessed the participation of 9,391 candidates, out of a total of 11,030 allotted to Visakhapatnam, resulting in an impressive attendance rate of 85.14 percent. Conversely, a total of 1,639 candidates were absent during the morning session. The afternoon session mirrored the morning's high participation rate, with 9,370 candidates present out of the same 11,030 allotted, yielding an attendance rate of 84.95 percent. In the afternoon session, 1,660 candidates were absent. These figures demonstrate a consistent level of engagement from the aspirant pool, despite the surrounding controversies and uncertainties. The consistent attendance rate also indicates the determination and seriousness among aspiring candidates to excel in the Group-II services and embark on their professional journey within the framework of public service. The relatively low absence rate, coupled with the robust attendance percentages, collectively paints a picture of aspirants who are committed to pursuing the offered opportunities and actively participate in the examination process.
Visakhapatnam Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad personally inspected an examination center located within the Andhra University campus, further underscoring the seriousness with which the authorities approached the proceedings. Following his visit, the Collector expressed his satisfaction with the facilities and security arrangements put in place to ensure a smooth and secure examination environment. This positive assessment, conveyed through a press release, highlights the collaborative efforts of various departments and stakeholders in ensuring a well-organized and orderly examination process. Simultaneously, District Revenue Officer (DRO) B.H. Bhavani Shankar diligently monitored the overall situation from the control room situated within the district Collectorate. The DRO's role in overseeing the examination from a central command post demonstrates a commitment to real-time assessment and responsiveness to any unforeseen circumstances. The coordinated efforts between the Collector, who directly assessed the ground realities, and the DRO, who monitored the situation from the control room, ensured a multi-layered approach to maintaining order and facilitating the smooth conduct of the examination. This demonstrates a robust command and control structure that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and the overall well-being of both the examination staff and the aspiring candidates.
Visakhapatnam Commissioner of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi took a proactive stance by ensuring the provision of comprehensive security services to all examination centers. This measure was a direct response to recent protests staged by a group of aspirants across the State, including within the city. By bolstering security measures at all examination centers, the Commissioner aimed to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure a safe and secure environment for both the examiners and the candidates. The heightened security presence served as a deterrent against any attempts to disrupt the examination process and underscored the authorities' unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the evaluation. The Commissioner's proactive approach highlights the importance of anticipating potential challenges and implementing appropriate security measures to safeguard the examination process from any form of interference.
Prior to the examination, Group-II aspirants had organized a protest at Isukathota junction on the NH-16 stretch in the city on Saturday night. The protest involved blocking traffic for approximately two hours, demonstrating the level of frustration and determination among the aspirants. The protestors' primary demand centered around the State government's clarification of the reservation roster before the Group-II Mains examination proceeded. This protest action highlights the concerns and anxieties prevalent among a section of the aspirant community regarding transparency and fairness in the examination process. The blocking of traffic served as a means of drawing attention to their demands and exerting pressure on the authorities to address their grievances. The incident underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and engagement between the government and the aspirant community to address concerns and ensure a fair and equitable examination process. A total of 92,250 aspirants had successfully qualified for the Group-II Main exam, which was conducted at 175 centers, with the aim of filling 905 vacant posts. This significant number of aspirants vying for a relatively limited number of positions highlights the competitive nature of the examination and the importance placed on these opportunities within the public service sector. The substantial number of participants also underscores the significance of ensuring a fair and transparent examination process to maintain public trust and confidence.
Source: Nearly 85% attendance for Group-II Services Main exam in Visakhapatnam