The Telangana government has extended an invitation to Bandi Sanjay, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for discussions on the contentious G.O.Ms.No.29. This Government Order (GO) plays a crucial role in determining the shortlisting process for candidates appearing for the state’s highly anticipated Group-I Examination. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ongoing situation and what it means for the aspirants.
Group-I Examination: A Highly Anticipated Opportunity
The Group-I Examination is one of the most sought-after competitive exams in Telangana. The notification for 563 vacancies across 18 departments was released on February 19, 2024, marking the beginning of the recruitment process. Online applications were accepted starting February 23, 2024, and a whopping 4,03,645 candidates applied to take part in the examination.
Hall Ticket Downloads and Preliminary Examination Stats
Of the total applicants, 3,77,661 candidates downloaded their hall tickets to appear for the preliminary examination, which was held on June 9, 2024, at 897 test centers across the state. Out of these, 3,02,172 candidates appeared for the preliminary exam, showing the high level of participation and competition.
The results of the preliminary examination were declared on July 7, 2024, with 31,383 candidates successfully advancing to the Group-I Mains Examination. These candidates were selected at a ratio of 1:50, further highlighting the competitive nature of the recruitment process.
Legal Challenges Surrounding the Preliminary Examination
Following the announcement of the preliminary results, two cases were filed in the Hon’ble High Court, challenging the answer keys provided in the exam. However, both writ petitions were dismissed—first by a single judge and later by a division bench of the court.
GO 29 and its Impact on the Selection Process
Another legal battle ensued regarding G.O.Ms.No.29, which outlines the process for shortlisting candidates from the preliminary to the mains examination. This GO became the focal point of controversy, as some candidates believed the criteria to be unfair. However, after a detailed hearing, the High Court ruled in favor of the government, denying any relief to the petitioners.
The government clarified that there has been no injustice towards reserved category students in the application of G.O.Ms.29. In fact, the GO provides additional opportunities by allowing candidates from reserved categories to compete for positions in both the open and reserved categories during the final selection phase.
Alignment with Supreme Court Orders and Previous Guidelines
The G.O.Ms.55 was also amended to align with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the APPSC vs Baloji Badavath case, ensuring that litigation is minimized in future examinations. Importantly, the criteria outlined in G.O.Ms.No.29 are the same as those being followed in Andhra Pradesh, as per G.O.Ms.No.5.
Mains Examination: Dates and Preparation
The Group-I Mains Examination is scheduled to take place from October 21, 2024, to October 27, 2024. The exams will be conducted at 46 centers across Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.
The Importance of GO 29 for Aspirants
The ongoing discussions around GO 29, led by Bandi Sanjay and the Telangana government, are crucial for the thousands of aspirants vying for a spot in the government workforce. While some candidates have raised concerns about the shortlisting process, the courts have consistently upheld the fairness and legality of the GO.
For candidates, the best course of action is to remain focused on their preparation for the mains examination, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete in the final phase of the selection process.
Final Thoughts
The government’s invitation to Bandi Sanjay for further discussions on GO 29 reflects the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. As the legal challenges surrounding the Group-I Examination come to a close, all eyes are now on the upcoming Mains Examination, where thousands of candidates will compete for a prestigious position in the Telangana state government.
With clear guidelines and the courts’ backing, aspirants can be assured of a merit-based selection process. Now, it’s time for candidates to focus on their preparation and give their best shot at achieving their career goals.
