 |
|
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in India, has announced its intention to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for candidates. This move, initially on a voluntary basis, aims to strengthen the integrity of the examination process and address concerns raised by recent controversies like the Puja Khedkar case. The decision has significant implications for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other coveted civil services.
The controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, highlighted vulnerabilities in the existing verification system. Khedkar was accused of manipulating her identity and misusing reservation categories to gain an unfair advantage in the CSE 2022. Her actions resulted in her permanent disqualification from all future UPSC examinations and criminal proceedings. The UPSC's decision to adopt Aadhaar-based authentication is likely a direct response to this incident, aimed at deterring similar fraudulent attempts and establishing a more robust verification mechanism.
Aadhaar, India's biometric identification system, has been widely adopted for various purposes, including bank accounts, mobile SIM cards, and government subsidies. Its use in the UPSC examinations is expected to improve accuracy and efficiency in verifying candidate identities. The initial voluntary implementation allows the commission to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the system before potentially making it mandatory in future examinations. While the use of Aadhaar raises concerns about privacy and data security, the UPSC's commitment to adhering to the Aadhaar Act and its regulations provides some assurance.
The introduction of Aadhaar-based authentication is a significant development in the UPSC examination process. It signifies the commission's commitment to upholding fairness and transparency in selecting candidates for India's civil services. However, it is important to ensure that the implementation is carried out with proper safeguards to protect the privacy and security of candidates' data. The UPSC must also address concerns regarding potential exclusion of individuals who may not have Aadhaar cards due to various reasons. By addressing these concerns and ensuring equitable access, the commission can effectively leverage the benefits of Aadhaar while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the CSE.
Source: UPSC to use Aadhaar for identity verification: Did Puja Khedkar controversy prompt this move?