Quota policy row: UPPSC cancels exam results

Allahabad: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission on Saturday cancelled results of examinations, declared on the basis of a controversial reservation policy, evoking sharp reactions from pro-reservation students who went on a rampage accusing the ruling Samajwadi Party of "betrayal".

In an official release, the UPPSC said results of "combined civil service/upper subordinate examinations (Mains) declared on July 04, 2013" stood cancelled and "revised results" would be declared "at the earliest". The Commission said that the decision was taken at a meeting held yesterday. Last night, sources in the UPPSC had disclosed that the controversial reservation policy whereby caste-based quotas were introduced at the preliminary stages itself was being rolled back. The decision comes close on the heels of the apparent displeasure of the Samajwadi Party government in the state which has sought to send across the message that it was not taken into confidence by the Commission while taking the decision which had triggered violent protests in the recent past. Moreover, on July 22, the Allahabad High Court had reserved its judgement on a petition challenging the new reservation system while restraining the UPPSC from conducting interviews "until the delivery of judgement". The court had also questioned the "haste" of the Commission in bringing into effect the controversial amendment in reservation policy which was reportedly passed through voice-vote on the very day it was introduced. The damage control exercise was, however, met with angry protests from pro-reservation students, who attacked the residence of SP district president Pandhari Yadav and vandalised his vehicles, furniture and window panes. The agitators raised slogans accusing the ruling party of "betrayal" and fled the spot upon the arrival of police party. Heavy deployment of forces has been made at Yadav`s Allahpur residence and efforts were on to nab the culprits, police said. Meanwhile, 22 anti-reservation student leaders who were arrested on July 22 following a clash with police during agitations are likely to be released later in the day. They were granted bail last night after the police agreed to withdraw charges under sections relating to attempt to murder and rioting with weapons likely to cause death. PTI