Floodwaters are rising, roads are disrupted, and hundreds of candidates are worried about reaching their examination centres. But the Odisha Civil Services Main Examination will go ahead as scheduled.
Amid the flood situation triggered by Cyclone Arnab, the state government has ruled out postponing the examination, promising transport assistance for candidates in affected areas.
The decision has sparked a political controversy, with the opposition calling it unfair and inhumane.
NEWS PACKAGE
A crucial examination, a challenging situation, and a decision that has triggered a political storm!
The Odisha Civil Services Main Examination, scheduled from October 31 to November 7, will not be postponed despite the flooding caused by heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has made it clear that the examination conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission will proceed as planned.
The minister said postponing the examination could delay the next opportunity by at least six months, leaving candidates who have already prepared for the test disappointed.
But with floodwaters affecting several areas of southern Odisha, the government says it is taking steps to ensure that candidates can reach their examination centres.
GOVERNMENT’S TRANSPORT ASSURANCE
According to the minister, around 325 candidates from Ganjam and nearly 100 from Gajapati are expected to appear for the examination.
Block Development Officers in flood- and rain-affected districts have been instructed to ensure the free movement of candidates from their homes to examination centres and back.
The government says the transport arrangements are intended to prevent the weather situation from becoming an obstacle for aspirants.
OPPOSITION SLAMS THE DECISION
However, the government’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.
The Congress had demanded that the examination be postponed in the southern districts due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab.
The Biju Janata Dal has also termed the decision unjust and inhumane.
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Ipsita Sahu said conducting the examination while hundreds of candidates are reportedly stranded due to flooding is unacceptable.
She pointed to the flooding of the Rushikulya River in Ganjam, which has inundated large areas of Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
According to her, hundreds of examination candidates, along with lakhs of other residents, are facing difficulties due to the floods.
She has urged the state government to take appropriate measures to address the situation.
ANCHOR OUTRO
For now, the government remains firm on its decision: the examination will go ahead, and transport assistance will be arranged for candidates in affected areas.
But with floodwaters continuing to disrupt normal life, the biggest question remains — will every candidate be able to reach the examination centre safely and on time?
The coming days will be crucial for thousands of aspirants as Odisha balances an important examination with the challenges of a flood-hit region.
