New Delhi: In a recent development, the Manipur government conveyed to the Delhi High Court its inability to conduct the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (UPSC CSE 2024) within the states borders due to ongoing security concerns. The Chief Secretary of Manipur submitted a letter to the High Court, highlighting the precarious security situation and asserting that holding the exam in Manipur would not be feasible.Request for alternative arrangementsThe letter, presented during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, emphasized the need for maintaining the sanctity of the UPSC exam while addressing the challenges faced by candidates from Manipurs hill districts. It proposed allocating exam centers outside Manipur for students from the state, a measure implemented in the previous year.High courts response and further actionsThe High Court, presided over by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, reviewed the letter and directed the counsel representing the UPSC to gather insights on the matter. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on March 22, allowing time for deliberation and decision-making.Challenges faced by tribal candidatesThe PIL, filed by the Zomi Students Federation, shed light on the logistical hurdles encountered by tribal candidates, particularly those from the Kuki-Zomi community residing in Manipurs hill districts. With no exam centers located in these districts, candidates are compelled to travel long distances to reach the nearest center in Imphal. The rugged terrain, lack of adequate transportation, and financial constraints exacerbate the ordeal for aspiring civil servants, disproportionately affecting individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.Call for equitable solutionsThe petition underscored the urgent need for equitable solutions to ensure that tribal candidates are not disadvantaged in their pursuit of civil service careers. It urged authorities to consider the hardships faced by candidates and provide alternative arrangements that accommodate their unique circumstances.Legal representation and advocacyAdvocate Nizamuddin Pasha represented the petition, advocating for the rights of tribal candidates and seeking redressal for their grievances through the judicial system.
