KARACHI:
The Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) holds the crucial responsibility of appointing civil servants for esteemed departments of the provincial government. While SPSC’s recent commitment to merit-based recruitment for the positions of lecturers (BPS-17) and subject specialists (BPS-17) has sparked optimism among aspirants, concerns persist due to the commission’s history of corruption and malpractices. These include delays in recruitment procedures, nepotism and bureaucratic obstacles.
In 2021, the Sindh High Court suspended SPSC due to irregularities within the commission, and though it was reinstated this year, instances of SPSC officials being implicated in corrupt activities continue to surface in the media. The perception that the children of influential individuals secure positions in the provincial bureaucracy through questionable means further undermines the commission’s credibility. The recruitment procedures for various posts lack transparency and coherence, leading to controversies surrounding examinations and results. The sluggish hiring process takes a significant toll on candidates in terms of time and energy.
SPSC’s incompetence has left the youth of Sindh in a state of uncertainty and hopelessness about the future. This lack of motivation and direction among the youth hampers the overall progress of the province. Urgent and comprehensive reform is needed for SPSC. Implementation of transparency and meritocracy is crucial to combat corruption and other irregularities. The commission’s activities must be subject to a robust checks and balances system to ensure accountability.
Zain ul Abdin Jessar
Larkana
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2023.
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