Amid protests and a walkout by Opposition parties, the Government announced an all-party meeting soon to discuss the controversy over the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).
The Government assured the Rajya Sabha that a decision will be taken at the earliest keeping in mind the future of young civil service aspirants.
Appreciating discussions on the issue, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prakash Javadekar said this could be the first time that the civil service examinations were caught in a controversy.
He said the Government will take all steps to remove the apprehensions of the students. “We will find a way out after holding discussions with all stakeholders,” he added.
Opposition parties said their position on the issue has already been clarified and there is no need to call a separate meeting. They said the Government should instead take immediate steps to address the issue, as preliminary examinations are scheduled to be held on August 24.
No quick measure Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien said regional language students have to be given an opportunity to write preliminary papers in their respective languages.
“There needs to be a discussion. We cannot solve this in six days. The Government shot its mouth off, added fuel to the fire, and is now trying to look for a solution,” he added.
AIADMK leader V Maitreyan said a candidate appearing for the UPSC exam from Tamil Nadu should have the option of writing the preliminary exam either in Tamil or English.
“There should be a level-playing field for urban and rural candidates as also for candidates with humanities, engineering and management streams,” he added.
CPI(M) deputy leader P Rajeeve said the Government should undertake an analysis, taking into consideration the exams conducted before and after 2011, the extent of rural participation, the extent of use of regional language in those exams, the extent of participation by students along with their family and financial background.
“All these need to be considered and analysed,” he added.