In a recent letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged discrimination faced by candidates from OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Castes), and ST (Scheduled Tribes) communities during state recruitment processes. Patel’s letter highlights the frustration and anger among these communities due to reserved seats being frequently declared “un-reserved.”
A Call for Action
On June 27, Anupriya Patel, the Union MoS and Apna Dal (S) national president, wrote a letter to CM Yogi Adityanath urging immediate action to address the grievances of OBC, SC, and ST candidates. Patel emphasized that numerous candidates had approached her, complaining that during interviews for state recruitment exams, they were often deemed “Not Found Suitable,” which led to no candidates from these reserved categories being selected.
Patel highlighted a concerning trend where, after several unsuccessful recruitment attempts, the reserved positions were eventually opened up to all candidates, effectively nullifying the reservation. She insisted on an “immediate stop” to this practice, stressing that such positions should remain reserved for the intended categories, no matter how many times the recruitment process needs to be conducted.
Addressing the Growing Anger
Patel’s letter expressed deep concern over the mounting anger among candidates from these communities who feel they are being unjustly denied opportunities. She called for mandatory measures to ensure that reserved positions are filled only by eligible candidates from the designated categories.
She emphasized that candidates who clear the eligibility criteria deserve a fair chance in the interview process. Declaring them “not found suitable” repeatedly is both unfair and damaging to their morale and aspirations.
Government Response
A UP government official indicated that a formal response to Patel’s letter was being prepared. Various commissions responsible for recruitment are reportedly denying the allegations that reserved seats are being converted to unreserved. One commission clarified that reserved vacancies, if not filled, are carried over to the next year rather than being opened up for all candidates.
Apna Dal (S) Advocacy
Rajesh Srivastava, spokesperson for Apna Dal (S), reinforced the party’s commitment to ensuring that marginalized communities receive their constitutionally guaranteed rights. Srivastava stated, “Anupriya ji is a leader of the Dalits, deprived, and backward sections. The party’s ideology is to ensure that these sections get their due rights. Complaints were continuously coming from candidates that they were not receiving the benefits of reservation in the recruitment process. Through this letter, the party president has drawn the UP government’s attention to the issue, urging the removal of any discrepancies to ensure fair treatment of the candidates.”
Political Context
Patel’s letter comes in the wake of a significant setback for the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections in UP, where unemployment and concerns over the loss of reservation benefits were major factors contributing to voter dissatisfaction. As part of the BJP-led governments at both the state and central levels, Apna Dal (S) seeks to address these issues to ensure fair opportunities and justice for all.
Conclusion
Anupriya Patel’s letter underscores the urgent need for fair and transparent recruitment practices in Uttar Pradesh. The focus is now on the state government to take effective steps to ensure that reserved seats are truly reserved for the deserving candidates from OBC, SC, and ST communities, thereby addressing the grievances and maintaining trust in the system.