UP Police Sub-Inspector Exam Row: 'Pandit' Among Options For 'Opportunist' Triggers Political Controversy, Inquiry Ordered

A question in a Uttar Pradesh police recruitment examination has sparked a political controversy after "Pandit" appeared as one of the answer options for a question asking candidates to identify a one-word term for a person who changes according to opportunity -- alongside options including "Opportunist", "Innocent" and "Virtuous".

The question appeared in the Hindi section of the written examination conducted on 14 March for the recruitment of sub-inspectors, held by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), NDTV reported.

Political Backlash

The row escalated quickly after UP BJP secretary Abhijat Mishra wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath demanding action against those responsible for framing the question.

"The correct meaning of a person who changes according to the opportunity is 'opportunist', but including 'Pandit' among the options hurts the sentiments of a particular community," Mishra said, noting that the term "Pandit" is associated with knowledge and religious respect.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak called the question "absolutely unacceptable" and said the government had ordered an immediate investigation, adding that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

CM Yogi Issues Directives

Chief Minister Adityanath issued directives to the chairpersons of all recruitment boards, asking them to refrain from making remarks that could hurt the dignity or religious sentiments of any individual, caste, creed, or community.

He also directed that similar instructions be issued to all paper setters, that habitual offenders be immediately debarred, and that these conditions be incorporated into the Memorandum of Understanding with paper setters.

Board Distances Itself

The Recruitment Board, in a late Saturday post, clarified that the question papers are not set by it directly.

"This task is carried out by highly confidential institutions in such a manner that the confidentiality of the question papers remains intact prior to the examination," the Board said, adding that even its own officers are not permitted to view the question papers before the exam.

The sealed packets, it noted, are opened for the first time in examination halls in the presence of two candidates.

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