CHANDIGARH: L. D Katara June 30 resigned from the chairmanship of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) Kataria was involved in a controversy with members of the commission following reports of serious regulates detected in the finalization of the result of the HCS (Executive Branch) examination conducted by the commission in October last year

Kataria told newsmen here that he had submitted his resignation to the Governor Dhanik Lal Mandal.

The name of B.S. Ojha Chairman of the Haryana State Electricity Board and a former Chief Secretary of Haryana is being mentioned as the next chairman of the commission.

Kataria told newsmen that he had quit the post to maintain the highest standard of civil services and to maintain his image. He denied that he was under any pressure from the Chief Minister to resign. He however admitted that he had met the Chief Minister a number of times during the past few days.

Absolving himself of all charges Kataria said the secretary of the commission was responsible for taking all steps for holding of examinations and for declaration of results under the overall supervision of the commission. Addressing a hurriedly convened Press conference Kataria said he had submitted his resignation to Governor Dhanik Lal Mandal He $aid some Commission members had leveled allegations against him as he had refused to oblige them by favoring their candidates.

He charged that two Commission members Sher Singh and Udeh Ram had come to his house a dozen times and requested him to get Singhs nephew selected.

As he refused they became his tile towards him another member LD. Kaushik he alleged waken that the examination be cancelled as his son was not eligible.

Katania said he was waiting to the Governor and the President of India seeking action against the members.

Commission Secretary Amit Jha had announced a few days ago the scrapping of the October examination conceding that various irregularities had been detected in the finalization of the results.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 8, 1994