CSS exams: competitiveness

THIS is apropos of the letter ‘CSS exams: competitiveness’ (Nov 3). The writer has claimed that civil services examinations are merit-based but study shows that their standards are deteriorating fast. Nothing bruises the merit system more than quota, it is antithetical to the structure.

If CSS is to be merit-based, then allocations should be entirely based on excellence regardless of any quotas. Candidates proving their qualities by achieving higher marks should be allocated to groups of their choice in a sequential manner. Any system based on quota defeats the purpose of merit.

It could be argued that quota is indispensable when it comes to considering the neglected segments of society. Agreed, they must be compensated but the quota in CSS is not the solution. The solution to this problem lies in the provincial management services. All the provinces already have public service commissions, which may conduct examinations for those in the public sector such as the police and district management.

The Federal Public Service Commission should hold examinatios only for the members of the federal services such as those in the ministry of foreign affairs and Customs.

This could kill two birds with one stone: promote merit in competitive examinations, as well as mainstream the neglected areas. This does notmeans excluding candidates from deprived regions from appearing in CSS examinations.

They may take part in examinations if they so desire but they will have to compete with candidates from all over Pakistan on an equal basis. Only then the true spirit of competitiveness would be achieved both in federal and in provincial sectors.

AHMER BHATTI
Lahore

Dawn.