The state of West Bengal has partnered with Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) to introduce digital examinations for recruiting staff in the health department. This move comes after the health department received complaints about recruitment irregularities. Previously, the recruitment process was done through interviews, which were believed to be prone to irregularities. To address this issue and make the process more transparent, the state has decided to switch to an online examination mode.
The digital examination will be used to fill around 6,545 vacant posts, including general duty medical officers (GDMOs), nurses, pharmacists, and technologists. Out of 60,000 applicants, candidates will be shortlisted and invited to take the online exam. The state health recruitment board has confirmed that TCS will conduct the examination procedure.
According to Sudipto Roy, chairman of the state health recruitment board, this is the first time a digital system will be used for recruitment examinations in the health department. The examination dates will be finalized, and the process is expected to be completed by December. Following the examination, shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews.
The recruitment board has received a large number of applications, with 8,500 applicants vying for 1,227 GDMO posts and 50,000 candidates applying for 5,018 nursing staff positions. Additionally, 300 candidates will be recruited for pharmacist and technologist posts. The online examination is expected to bring transparency to the recruitment process, addressing concerns raised by organizations such as the Progressive Health Association.
The association’s secretary, Karabi Boral, welcomes the change, stating that the previous interview-based system was prone to irregularities. The introduction of digital examinations is seen as a positive step towards ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. With the help of TCS, the state aims to fill the vacant posts efficiently and effectively, bringing much-needed staff to the health department.