UP Revises Job Verification Norms Amid Political Row
The Uttar Pradesh government has made character verification norms stricter for candidates chosen through direct recruitment to government jobs. The revised framework says candidates tied to groups that advocate violent change of the existing social order will be treated as unfit for appointment.
The move has come in the wake of a controversy surrounding a recent protest, during which demands for a 'change of power' were voiced. The opposition Samajwadi Party and Congress have criticised the government's decision.
The amended guidelines state that taking part in protests or activities that seek to change the existing system through violence may make a candidate ineligible for government service. The government has, however, clarified that no one will be disqualified solely because of their political ideology.
The instructions were issued by M. Devraj, Principal Secretary, Appointment Department. They will apply to direct recruitment in government departments, corporations, councils and local bodies.
According to the order, persons who belong to organisations whose declared purpose is to transform the current social system through violence will be considered unsuitable for government appointments. Political beliefs alone, the order clarifies, will not make anyone unsuitable.
The order further says that involvement in such activities after the age of 21, during the three years immediately before verification, will be treated as proof of ongoing active involvement. This assumption will stand unless there is solid evidence that the individual's tendencies changed during that time.
The revised policy also specifies that an FIR or a pending investigation alone will not automatically disqualify a candidate. Those who have been acquitted, whose cases were resolved through mutual settlement, or who are covered under juvenile justice laws will also not be disqualified automatically.
The government has said that delays in receiving character verification reports should not hold up appointment letters. Authorities may issue provisional appointment letters after obtaining required documents and self-declaration forms from candidates.
If a candidate is found unfit during verification, or is found to have provided incorrect information, the appointment will be cancelled immediately, and legal action may also be taken against them.
Current government employees have been exempted from repeat character verification. Appointing authorities can, if needed, seek information from the departments where these employees previously worked.
Police have been instructed to submit verification reports within 30 days so that recruitment is not unnecessarily delayed. The government says the revised guidelines are meant to streamline the verification process and ensure that eligible candidates do not miss out on government jobs because of pending inquiries or procedural delays.