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The state of Uttar Pradesh has amended its character verification process for aspiring government employees. Under the new policy, if a candidate is found to be involved in any violent activity with the intent to cause regime change, he/she may be barred from getting employed by the government. This has happened after the warning of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, against the alleged plan of causing regime change in the country similar to that of Bangladesh.
The amendment shall now be applied to the process of direct recruitment for the government departments, companies and other agencies. The new policy also includes the criteria of eligibility, verification time period, and the process regarding pending criminal cases.
Who Could Be Declared Ineligible for Government Jobs?
Under the revised policy, candidates found to have participated in violent activities aimed at bringing about regime change may be considered ineligible for government employment. However, political ideology alone will not be grounds for disqualification. The rules distinguish between a candidate’s political beliefs and involvement in violent acts.
The policy also covers other activities that could make candidates unsuitable for government service, including serious criminal offences, terrorism, corruption, examination fraud, paper leaks, the use of solver gangs and impersonation through dummy candidates. Candidates linked to forged certificates and cybercrimes, including digital arrest scams and UPI fraud, may also face disqualification.
Will an FIR Automatically Disqualify Candidates?
No. The revised rules clarify that merely having a First Information Report (FIR) registered against a candidate or an investigation pending against them will not automatically make them ineligible for a government job.
However, the nature of the allegations and the findings of the character verification process may be considered under the applicable rules. The clarification is significant for aspirants whose criminal cases or investigations are pending, as the existence of a case alone will not automatically close the door to government employment.
Police Verification Reports Must Be Submitted Within 30 Days
Under the revised policy, police authorities will be required to submit character verification reports within 30 days. The process may also involve seeking information from a candidate’s previous department, wherever applicable.
According to reports on the revised provisions, appointments need not necessarily be delayed solely because character verification remains incomplete. Candidates may receive provisional appointment letters after submitting the prescribed forms and self-declarations, subject to the outcome of verification.
Rules Cover Activities After the Age of 21
The revised provisions also provide for scrutiny of activities undertaken after a candidate turns 21. According to reports on the policy, participation in specified activities during the preceding three years may be treated as evidence of continued involvement, unless there is positive evidence of a change in the candidate’s conduct or outlook.
The provisions aim to assess candidates’ conduct while determining their suitability for government employment. The applicable verification process will establish whether a candidate meets the prescribed eligibility requirements.
What Happens If Incorrect Information Is Provided?
Those found ineligible or those supplying wrong information could suffer from cancellation of appointments and even possible legal consequences, depending on the situation.
The modified rules will be applicable for candidates applying for government jobs through direct recruitment only. Those working in the government departments will not be subjected to character tests under this revised directive.
This comes against the backdrop of the warnings given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about attempts to destabilize the nation and cause political instability like the one seen in Bangladesh, where the government of Sheikh Hasina was brought down in August 2024 due to mass agitation.