Why Did Naveen Patnaik Criticize the Odisha Govt Over CPSE 2024 Cancellation?
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Synopsis
The cancellation of the Combined Police Service Examination in Odisha has sparked outrage. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has labeled this event a governance failure, highlighting repeated disruptions that impact thousands of job seekers. This article delves into the implications of these cancellations and their effect on public trust in the state's recruitment process.
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik criticizes Odisha's governance over CPSE cancellations.
- CPSE 2024 was intended for Sub-Inspector recruitment in Odisha Police.
- Four recruitment exams have been cancelled since July 2025.
- The Odisha Police Recruitment Board cited malpractice suspicions for the cancellation.
- Public trust is eroding amidst repeated disruptions in recruitment.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in Odisha and former Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has strongly criticized the state government for its decision to cancel the Combined Police Service Examination (CPSE), 2024, calling it a significant governance failure.
On his X handle, the president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed his disbelief at the news of the CPSE, 2024, which was intended for the recruitment of Sub Inspectors in the Odisha police.
“I am shocked to learn that yet another recruitment exam has been cancelled in #Odisha today. The Combined Police Service Examination 2024, aimed at recruiting Sub-Inspectors, has been called off by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board. This marks the fourth recruitment examination to be scrapped since July 2025 amid serious allegations of malpractice and leaks of examination papers,” stated Patnaik.
In his post, Patnaik also pointed out the various recruitment examinations that have been cancelled since July 2025. He noted that the Special OTET-2025 was cancelled mere hours before it was set to commence after a paper leak incited widespread outrage on July 20.
The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) had called off its Combined Recruitment Examination (for RI, ARI, Amin, ICDS Supervisor, SFS) that was due to take place between August 1 and September 4, citing irregularities detected in the preliminary process on July 30.
Additionally, the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, postponed the rescheduled Special OTET-2025 examination on August 22, referencing “unavoidable circumstances,” which left many aspirants disheartened.
He urged the state government to promptly address the troubling patterns in Odisha's recruitment system to regain public trust.
“These ongoing disruptions reveal a concerning trend in Odisha’s recruitment framework, eroding trust and impacting countless job seekers across the state. This points to a systemic failure of governance that the BJP-led #Odisha Govt must rectify without delay to restore the confidence of the people,” urged Patnaik.
The Odisha Police Recruitment Board announced the cancellation of the written examination for CPSE, 2024, initially scheduled for October 5 and 6.
The board postponed the examination due to suspicions of malpractice after a bus transporting over 100 candidates to Hyderabad was intercepted at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh by Berhampur police on Monday night.
Furthermore, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has reportedly initiated an investigation to determine the reasons behind such a large number of candidates being taken to Hyderabad, the individuals and agency responsible, and any potential involvement of board members in this incident.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the complex dynamics of governance and recruitment in Odisha. The cancellation of the CPSE, along with other exams, raises valid concerns about systemic integrity and public trust. It is imperative that the state government addresses these issues transparently to ensure fairness and restore confidence among job seekers.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the cancellation of CPSE 2024?
The cancellation of the CPSE 2024 was due to suspicions of malpractice and a related investigation involving over 100 candidates being intercepted en route to Hyderabad.
How many recruitment exams have been cancelled since July 2025?
Since July 2025, four recruitment examinations, including the CPSE 2024 and Special OTET-2025, have been cancelled amid allegations of malpractice.
What is the impact of these cancellations on job seekers?
These cancellations significantly undermine the trust of job seekers in the recruitment process and create uncertainty for those aspiring to work in the state.
What actions is the Odisha government expected to take?
The Odisha government is urged to address the systemic issues in its recruitment framework to restore public confidence and ensure a fair selection process.
Who is responsible for the investigation into the CPSE cancellation?
The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and any potential involvement of board members.
