LS members seek govt's clarification on UPSC exam pattern

NEW DELHI: Members were on their feet in the Lok Sabha today when a BJP MP pointed out that UPSC has brought a change in the examination pattern whereby regional languages have been banned and candidates have to pass the test in English only.

Speaking during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Arjun Meghwal (BJP) alleged that UPSC has changed its examination pattern by which Hindi and regional languages have been removed from the list in which the candidates can write the tests.

Members led by Raghuvansh Prasad (RJD) were on their feet and shouted "shame". They demanded that this issue be looked into and the government give a clarification.

"This is an insult not only to Hindi but the regional languages as well," Meghwal said.

Members cutting across party lines supported Meghwal's concern. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Paban Singh Ghatowar asked the members to raise the issue again and assured action.

Prasad raised the issue of demand from some castes to be given Scheduled Tribe status while another set of OBC castes want Scheduled Caste status.

Another member drew the attention of the House to some derogatory remarks made against Shree Narayan Guru in Standard X textbooks. "This content is distorting the image of the Guru. The content is totally impertinent. The CBSE text books should be replaced," the member said.

Saugata Roy (TMC) urged the government to provide three year moratorium on interest payments on West Bengal government's debt, which is around Rs 2.3 lakh crore.

Noting that the state is in great difficulty, he asked the government to take a decision on the issue.

Congress member Rajaih Siricilla from Andhra Pradesh said the Centre should immediately start the process of carving out a separate Telangana region.