Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Oct 29: The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for direct recruitment to government jobs, stating that individuals associated with organisations advocating violent changes to the existing social order may be considered ineligible for public employment.

The directive, issued by M Devaraj, Principal Secretary of the state’s Appointment Department, comes amid controversy over alleged calls for “regime change” during a recent protest. The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress.

According to the order, candidates cannot be considered unsuitable for government employment solely because of their political ideology. However, those associated with organisations whose stated objectives include changing the existing social order through violent means may be deemed ineligible for appointment.

The order further states that participation in such activities after attaining the age of 21 and within the three years preceding character verification may be treated as evidence of continued involvement, unless concrete evidence establishes a change in the individual’s conduct during that period.

The government has also clarified that the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) or a pending investigation will not automatically disqualify a candidate from government employment.

Under the revised procedure, police authorities must submit character verification reports within 30 days. The measure aims to establish a defined timeline for verification of candidates selected through direct recruitment across state government departments and other public institutions covered by the order.

Employees already serving in government positions will not be required to undergo the same character verification process again. However, information about their conduct and service records may be sought from their previous departments whenever necessary.