Putting an end to opacity, Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSSB) in a first of its kind initiative, has begun allotment of Departments to the shortlisted candidates on merit, informed Mr Raman Behl, Chairman Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. Divulging into details, the Chairman informed that SSSB conducts exams for the recruitment to Group C posts for various departments of the State government. Earlier, after the exams the departments were allotted to the shortlisted candidates randomly. This methodology lacked transparency and hence the candidates were skeptical about the allotments. He said that Chief Minister Punjab Capt. Amrinder Singh has always believed in fair, transparent and merit based selections. Goaded by his concern for the youth and his commitment towards them, Chief Minister sought the allotment of departments to candidates shortlisted by the Board to be done on merit basis.Mr. Behl said that as in the Civil Services exams the candidates are asked to give their priorities, similarly the candidates shortlisted through written exams conducted by SSSB now have the option of choosing the department of the choice. He said that 48 departments are available for clerks to opt from and 28 for the steno typists. These departments are displayed on the website of the board, out of which every candidate is permitted to list 6 options. After the success in exam the candidates are allotted department out of their given option with topper in the merit list getting an option to choose first.
Further detailing the process, Mr Behl said that SS Board has conducted exam for recruitment of 1883 clerks and 403 steno typists. The counseling for clerical posts has commenced on June 10. During the counseling shortlisted candidates are called to the office of SS Board in batches of 50, beginning from the top of the merit list. Therein the candidates mention their priority departments and are allotted jobs in the same as per the vacancy. Every day the list of available vacancies is updated after allotments done on the preceding day so that the next batch of candidates is aware of available options. Chairman said that not only will the “merit prevail in this new system but also will it go a long way in restoring the faith of youth in the fairness of the system”. Besides, this will minimise litigation as it will involve zero discretion of SSSB authorities and every candidate would be aware as to why he was allotted a particular department. Talking of other reforms in the selection process, he said that type- test conducted for the clerical post is now followed by on-the-spot computerised result to the candidates on completing the test, with complete details of type speed and errors made in the test.Sharing information on the working of the SS Board Mr. Amarbir Singh Sidhu, Secretary Punjab SSSB said that earlier most of the time and energy of the board employees was wasted in replying to RTI queries pertaining to allotment of departments to the shortlisted candidates and in filing replies to the court cases filed by discontented candidates. But, allotment criteria in the new process is crystal clear. Now, even the reason for holding the result of a candidate in abeyance is displayed on website and he or she is given ample time to reply and get the objection removed. “The amendment in the procedure will reduce miscommunication and bring greater efficiency in the performance of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board,” said Sidhu.