August 5, 2014
Rajya Sabha: Trinamool demands UPSC exam be held in all languages listed in the 8th Schedule
A row over the civil services examinationcaused fireworks in Parliament again today. In the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool,along with other Opposition parties, slammed the Government for not scrappingthe English test, which many students say discriminates against candidates whoare not comfortable with the English language.
Earlier today Trinamool had given a Noticeof suspension of Question Hour demanding that the preliminary UPSC examinationbe held in all languages listed in the 8th Schedule.
In the House,the Chief Whip Derek O'Brien said, “All of us suggest that students be giventhe choice to take the preliminary UPSC exam in a language of the 8th Schedule.”
Later, Trinamool demanded a discussion a Short Duration discussion on the UPSC row. “The UPSC exam is on August 24. Silence of Govt is compounding the problem. We want an assurance from the Govt,” Mr O'Brien said.
Civil services aspirants are opposing thepattern of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) which they believe gives anunfair advantage to English-speaking students while leaving candidates fromHindi or regional languages background at a disadvantage. They want CSAT to bescrapped. The preliminary entrance exam is scheduled for August 24.
