News Reporter
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed a thorough investigation into an incident in Nalbari, where a girl student alleged that a lady constable improperly searched her before she entered an examination hall. The Chief Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken to Assam DGP GP Singh regarding the incident and emphasized that the dignity of women is non-negotiable.
The alleged incident occurred during the Assam Direct Recruitment Exam (ADRE), raising concerns over the treatment of female candidates. In his post, CM Sarma reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety, respect, and dignity of women, calling it a priority that cannot be compromised.
Alongside the Nalbari incident, the DGP informed CM Sarma of another case in North Lakhimpur, where cheating material was recovered from the inner garment of a female candidate on the same day. This highlights the dual challenge faced by authorities: upholding the integrity of the examination while ensuring that the rights and decency of candidates, especially female candidates, are respected.
The Chief Minister outlined two key tasks moving forward:
1. Ensuring Integrity in the Examination Process: CM Sarma stressed that the ADRE examination must be conducted with the utmost transparency and integrity. The government is committed to providing a fair opportunity for the younger generation, and this responsibility cannot be undermined.
2. Upholding Dignity and Decency of Female Candidates: The Chief Minister instructed the police to develop a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for searches involving women. This SOP must take into account relevant court judgments and guidelines from the Women’s Commission to ensure female candidates are treated with dignity. The new guidelines are expected to be circulated before the next round of examinations to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The government’s response reflects a balanced approach, ensuring both the credibility of the examination process and the protection of women’s rights. The investigation into the Nalbari incident will proceed as per the Chief Minister’s directive, with a focus on maintaining public trust in the state's examination process.