In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into examination irregularities, the Uttarakhand government has suspended KN Tiwari, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Haridwar, on charges of negligence in conducting a graduate level examination.
Our correspondent reports that the suspension follows allegations that Tiwari failed to ensure proper oversight during the examination process. The action comes amid a wider crackdown on those suspected of aiding or abetting paper leaks and other malpractices that have shaken the recruitment system in the state.
Officials confirmed that the suspension order was issued after preliminary inquiries pointed to lapses in monitoring and procedural safeguards. Tiwari has been relieved of his duties pending further investigation, with departmental proceedings expected to continue in accordance with service rules.
Our correspondent adds that the decision reflects the government’s stated resolve to bring accountability at every level of the recruitment system. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has in recent months emphasised his commitment to transparency, pointing to the enactment of a strict anti cheating law described as the toughest in the country. More than one hundred individuals linked to cheating mafias have already been arrested, and several officials are facing disciplinary action.
The graduate level examination in question was part of a series of competitive tests conducted to fill government vacancies. Allegations of malpractice surfaced when irregularities were detected in Haridwar centres. Investigators are said to have gathered evidence suggesting premeditated attempts to subvert examination protocols.
Our correspondent reports that a Special Investigation Team has already been tasked with probing the wider conspiracy surrounding paper leaks. The SIT is working under the supervision of a retired High Court judge and has been directed to file a detailed report identifying officials, middlemen and organised networks responsible for malpractice.
Our correspondent adds that sources within the administration believe lapses at the district level played a crucial role in enabling the misconduct. While the role of external actors is still being established, negligence by supervising officials is being treated as a serious breach of responsibility. Tiwari’s suspension, therefore, is seen as part of a broader effort to enforce accountability and restore public trust in state level examinations.
The suspension has also sent ripples across the bureaucratic establishment. Several officials have expressed concern that even minor lapses could result in strict disciplinary measures. However, public sentiment has largely been supportive of the crackdown, with youth groups and civil society organisations welcoming strong action to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.
Observers note that the case once again highlights the vulnerabilities in examination management, particularly at the local level where monitoring often depends on a limited number of officials. The government is now under pressure to introduce stronger safeguards, including increased use of digital monitoring, randomised centre allocation and stricter vetting of personnel involved in exam supervision.
As investigations proceed, the suspension of Tiwari is expected to be followed by further disciplinary action against others found negligent. The outcome of the SIT inquiry will play a decisive role in shaping the government’s strategy to prevent future irregularities.
