News Tamil Nadu

TNPSC OR DMKSC? Group 2A Exam Contains DMK Propaganda Question, Calls TN CM As “Thayumanavar”

February 10, 2025
The Commune

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has come under heavy criticism after an astonishingly frivolous question appeared in the Group 2A examination conducted yesterday. Instead of testing candidates on governance, law, or public administration, the exam included a question that asked which scheme in Tamil Nadu led people to call the Chief Minister “Thayumanavar”.

Candidates were presented with five answer choices, such as school breakfast programs, Vidiyal Bus Scheme, Neengal Nalama Scheme (Are you fine Scheme), Makkaludan Mudhalvar Scheme (CM with the people) and an option stating that the answer was not known.

The nature of the question, seen as an attempt to praise the ruling Chief Minister, has left aspirants, academicians, and the public in disbelief.

Concerns have been raised that TNPSC exams should focus on assessing candidates’ administrative aptitude and knowledge of policy, governance, and state affairs, rather than including propaganda content that appears to flatter those in power. Observers have pointed out that such questions serve no academic or intellectual purpose and seem designed to align with political narratives.

Reactions from civil service aspirants have expressed frustration over the inclusion of questions that are not relevant to governance. Concerns have also emerged among academics and civil service experts, who have noted that government recruitment exams should not contain material resembling political propaganda. Criticism has been directed at TNPSC for allowing questions that undermine the integrity of the selection process.

There have been previous instances of backlash against TNPSC over questionable exam content, with the latest controversy prompting renewed demands for an overhaul in the vetting of exam papers.

In July 2024, the TNPSC faced strong criticism for portraying Tamil Nadu freedom fighter Vanchinathan as a criminal in the assassination case of Robert Ashe during India’s struggle for independence, which is seen as aligning with colonial British perspectives.

In the recently concluded Group 1 examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that states, “Who was the first accused in Ashe murder’s case?.” This question has offended many individuals and sparked criticism of the TNPSC on the internet and social media.

During the examination held on 13 July 2024, TNPSC included a question that stated, “Who is certified as, “Socrates of South Asia” by UNESCO a unit organisation of United Nation?” perpetuating the propaganda endorsed by DMK and other Dravidianist organizations, aiming to portray E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (EVR) as an international leader. Despite repeatedly debunking of this falsehood, with the UNESCO itself putting statement that no such award was given EVR, TNPSC persists in promoting it.

The argument has been made that such questions erode public trust in the selection process and weaken the credibility of Tamil Nadu’s recruitment system.

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