A report commissioned by India’s Ministry of Social Justice has recommended that caste surnames or details giving the religious or social background of candidates should not be revealed at the interview stage of Public Service examinations.
The report states that in the process of selection through open competitions into Public Services at both the Centre and State levels, the chances of discrimination were high.
Prepared by the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), the report said the general policy of candidates being prohibited from writing their names and other personal details, including religious symbols, in the written tests, should be extended to the interview or personality tests.
“Therefore, it is necessary that the interview boards of various selection Agencies should be kept completely out of knowledge about the social and religious background of the candidates to ensure objective assessment and award of marks purely on the basis of interview performance,” the report said.
“This will ensure fairness in selecting meritorious candidates from all categories competing for the Government jobs,” it said.
Speaking after the report was submitted, Chair of the DICCI, Milind Kamble (pictured) said the suggestions were progressive.
“The Social Justice Ministry should change its outlook as the policies designed in the 1970s need to be aligned with the new economic reforms,” Mr Kamble said.
New Delhi, 17 February 2021
