JKSSB bans Merittrac Services Private Limited for 2 Years
JKSSB bans Merittrac Services Private Limited
The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board today banned M/s Merittrac Private Limited (JKSSB bans Merittrac Services Private Limited) from conducting any examination in Jammu and Kashmir for a period of two years. A decision to this effect was taken by the JKSSB Chairman Rajesh Sharma after taking into account all reports.
“The Board observed that Merittrac Private Limited has failed in maintaining 100% secrecy and security of the question papers/ examinations for the post of Accounts Assistant (Finance Department), Junior Engineer, Civil (Jal Shakti Department) and Sub Inspector (Home Department) conducted during the month of March, 2022 which were Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) based. This led to the cancellation of these examinations,” an official order said.
The Board, accordingly, decided to intimate punitive action against the Agency for violation of the conditions of the Work Order placed upon it after following due procedure, including opportunity of being heard to the Agency.
“The Board deliberated upon the issue and, after taking into consideration the reply by M/s MeritTrac Services Pvt. Ltd. observed that the Agency has failed to take adequate steps to ensure 100% sanctity and security of the examination process. The agency was entrusted with the conduct of examinations in a secure, confidential & fair manner, but to the contrary, it has failed to conduct the smoothly to the 100% satisfaction of all stakeholders including Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, leading to the cancellation of these examinations,” the order read.
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“The Board deliberated upon the matter and taking note of the instructions of the General Administration Department and opinion of the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, noted that M/s MeritTrac Pvt. Ltd. has failed to hold the examinations for the posts of Accounts Assistant (Finance), Junior Engineer, Civil (JSD) and Sub Inspector (Home) held in March, 2022 in a fair and transparent manner and its response to the Show Cause Notice dated 17-05-2023 is not convincing/ in line with the terms and conditions in the relevant work order.
“Accordingly, it was decided that, in terms of the relevant provisions of the GFR-2017, the Agency shall be debarred/ blacklisted for conducting any examiations in the Union Terrority of J&K for a period of two years. The period of blacklisting shall be extended by another year in case the Agency is convicted in the ongong investigation by the CBI,” the order said. (JKSSB bans Merittrac Services Private Limited)
The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has taken a strong step to uphold the integrity of its examination processes. In a recent development, the Board has blacklisted Merittrac Services Pvt. Ltd., a Bangalore-based agency, for failing to ensure the secure and confidential conduct of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) based written examinations.
The irregularities came to light during the examinations for various posts, including Accounts Assistant (Finance), Junior Engineer (Civil), and Sub Inspector (Police), held in March 2022. Certain irregularities were reported in the conduct of these examinations, leading to their cancellation by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
The matter was further investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), resulting in the Agency being named as one of the accused in the FIRs. The Board, after careful consideration, initiated punitive action against Merittrac Pvt. Ltd. for its failure to maintain 100% secrecy and security of the examination process.
The agency was afforded an opportunity to respond, but its reply was deemed unsatisfactory by the Board. Consequently, the decision to blacklist Merittrac Services Pvt. Ltd. was made. The agency is now barred from conducting any examinations in the Union Territory of J&K for a period of two years. This period could be extended by an additional year if the Agency is convicted in the ongoing CBI investigation.
This move by the JKSSB highlights its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the highest standards of examination conduct. The Board’s actions serve as a reminder that the sanctity of examinations is of paramount importance, and any compromise will not be tolerated.
By taking a firm stance against irregularities, the JKSSB aims to restore trust in its examination processes and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. (Source:- Daily Excelsior)