Tripura Assembly Recruitment Scam: MLA Ranjit Debbarma Demands Justice for ST Candidates Denied

In a stunning revelation, TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has once again raised his voice against alleged administrative corruption—this time targeting a 2017 recruitment process for Junior Reporter posts in the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Despite being part of the ruling alliance, the MLA has accused the system of deliberate discrimination and a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to deny two Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates their rightful appointments.

TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who recently raised serious allegations of corruption in the 2017 Tripura Legislative Assembly recruitment process.

The Allegation: Deliberate Denial with ‘Zero’ Marks

According to a formal letter addressed to the Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, MLA Ranjit Debbarma highlighted how two ST candidates—Nishi Kanta Debbarma and Tanika Debbarma—were awarded '00' marks in the 50-mark written examination, which he terms “unimaginable and suspicious.”

The recruitment in question was for six Junior Reporter positions in 2017, of which three were reserved for ST candidates. The final merit list was based on three tests: Typing and Shorthand (100 marks), Written Exam (50 marks), and Interview (20 marks).

Based on RTI documents and official records shared by the MLA:

• Nishi Kanta Debbarma scored 51 (Typing) + 00 (Written) + 15 (Interview) = 66 total

• Tanika Debbarma scored 43 (Typing) + 00 (Written) + 13 (Interview) = 56 total

This raises a serious question: How could candidates scoring significantly in Typing and Interview exams get zero in the written exam?

RTI Access Denied, MLA Seeks Action

Ranjit Debbarma further alleged that the affected candidates filed Right to Information (RTI) requests to review their answer scripts but were denied access. He called it a violation of transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

In his letter to the Speaker, the MLA demanded:

1. Formation of an independent panel of expert examiners to re-evaluate the answer sheets.

2. A thorough investigation into what he called a "conspiracy" against ST candidates.

3. Immediate appointment of the two deserving ST candidates as Junior Reporters.

   
   

Political and Administrative Ramifications

The explosive nature of these allegations, coming from a sitting MLA of a ruling alliance partner, has stirred intense debate in Tripura’s political and administrative circles. If proven, this could point to systemic discrimination and corruption within state-level recruitment procedures.

The ball is now in the court of the Speaker of the Assembly and the Tripura State Information Commission. Their response will be closely watched, especially in light of growing concerns over transparency and tribal representation in governance.