Agitation over CSAT opens Pandora’s box

NEW DELHI: The row over the Civil Services Aptitude Test ( CSAT) took a completely different turn on Thursday, with demands in the Lok Sabha that the civil services examination be conducted in every regional language as against English and Hindi at present. The government was sent to the back foot and had to promise that it would convene an all-party meet for a detailed look at the issue.

The demand was raised by AIADMK leader M Thambidurai and instantly found the backing of all MPs from southern states as well as other regions of India.

"At present, the exam is held only in Hindi and English languages. What about other languages? Therefore, we are demanding that the examination must be conducted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and all other languages which are included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution," said Thambidurai.

He said it would create a level playing field while adding that "all languages and cultures must be respected and regarded equally".

Parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu argued that the format of the civil services exam could not be changed overnight and would have to be debated with all stake holders. "Then, all of us will join together to formulate an approach for the future," he added.

Parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu said the format of the civil services exam could not be changed overnight and would have to be debated with all stake holders.