Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed an immediate probe into allegations that a female student was asked to remove her inner garments during a security check before the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE). The incident has raised serious concerns over the treatment of candidates during competitive exams, with many calling for accountability and better protocols to ensure the dignity and privacy of examinees.
The Incident: Allegations of Invasive Search
The controversy erupted when a female student, who was appearing for the ADRE exam in Assam, reported that she was subjected to an invasive security check by the exam authorities. According to the student’s account, she was asked to remove her inner garments before entering the examination hall, allegedly as part of the security protocol aimed at preventing cheating.
The student, who was visibly distressed, shared her experience on social media, leading to widespread condemnation and protests from various quarters, including student organizations, women’s rights activists, and political leaders. The incident took place at one of the designated examination centers for the highly competitive ADRE, which sees thousands of candidates vying for government jobs.
“I felt humiliated and violated. I was there to take an important exam, not to be treated in such a degrading manner. No woman should have to go through this,” the student reportedly said. Her statement quickly gained traction online, drawing attention to the urgent need for more respectful and sensitive security procedures, particularly for female candidates.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Responds
As the public outcry grew louder, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took swift action by ordering a detailed investigation into the matter. In a statement, CM Sarma expressed his deep concern over the allegations and assured that the matter would be thoroughly probed. He emphasized that maintaining the dignity of candidates, especially women, should be of utmost priority during the conduct of any examination.
“I have directed an immediate investigation into the incident. Such behavior, if proven true, is unacceptable. We will ensure that strict action is taken against those responsible, and necessary reforms will be introduced to prevent such incidents in the future,” CM Sarma said during a press briefing.
The Chief Minister also instructed the examination authorities to review their security protocols and take appropriate measures to ensure that candidates are not subjected to any form of harassment or indignity during the examination process. He assured the public that his government is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of every citizen, particularly women.
Protests and Public Outrage
Following the student’s revelations, several student organizations and women’s rights groups organized protests across Assam, demanding justice for the affected student and stricter oversight of exam procedures. Demonstrators called for immediate action against the officials responsible for the invasive security checks and urged the government to implement gender-sensitive policies for future examinations.
“We are appalled by this incident. It is a clear violation of privacy and an insult to the dignity of women. We demand that those responsible for this gross misconduct be held accountable and that proper training be provided to ensure such incidents never happen again,” said a representative of a prominent women’s rights group in Guwahati.
Several political leaders from the opposition parties also weighed in on the issue, calling for transparency in the investigation and urging the government to take swift action. “This is an alarming incident that should not be taken lightly. The government must ensure that those responsible face the consequences, and immediate steps must be taken to prevent such indignities in the future,” said a local Congress leader.
A Call for Better Exam Security Protocols
In response to the growing criticism, education and exam officials stated that they were cooperating fully with the investigation and would take all necessary steps to rectify any lapses in the security process. An official from the State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC), which oversees the ADRE exam, mentioned that while stringent security checks are essential to maintain the integrity of the examination, such checks should always respect the candidates’ privacy and dignity.
The commission acknowledged the need to strike a balance between ensuring a fair examination process and safeguarding the personal rights of the candidates. “We will review our protocols and ensure that no candidate, especially women, faces such humiliation in the future. Appropriate guidelines will be issued to all examination centers,” the SLRC official stated.
The Way Forward
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, there is a growing call for reforms in the way competitive examinations are conducted, especially when it comes to security procedures. Women’s rights activists and civil society organizations are pushing for gender-sensitive policies that take into account the unique challenges faced by female candidates, including the need for privacy during security checks.
The Assam government, led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, is expected to take decisive action based on the findings of the investigation. The incident has served as a wake-up call for authorities to ensure that the dignity and respect of candidates are never compromised in the pursuit of exam security.
The alleged incident of a female student being asked to remove her inner garments during a security check at the ADRE exam has drawn widespread condemnation, prompting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an immediate investigation. As the probe continues, the incident has sparked a broader discussion about the need for more respectful and gender-sensitive protocols in public examinations, ensuring that such violations of privacy and dignity do not happen again.