Bombay High Court quizzes BMC on exam for X-ray techies' post

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to file anaffidavit on Thursday, explaining how eight candidates who had applied for the post of X-ray technicians in civic-run hospitals were allowed to appear for a trade test (proficiency/skill test) if theywere not eligible for the post.

A division bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice NM Jamadar said: "It appears that the entire selection procedure is conducted in a casual manner."

The observation was made after advocates Manmohan Amonkar and Advocate Jacob Kadantot, appearing for petitioners Swapnil Mohite and others, pointed out an affidavit of the corporation filed in December 2018, stating that the candidates had failed in the trade test and they were rejected. However, the civic body later told the court that the applicants had cleared the trade test but theywere found to lack requisite educational qualifications for the post. The error of allowing thecandidates to appear for the test was committed by a clerk.

The bench said: "We fail to understand how the candidates who have cleared the trade test can subsequently be said to be not qualified to apply for the post. Such a reverse procedure points out the lack of application of proper principles and indicates arbitrary nature."

Following an advertisement issued by the corporation for vacancy of 51 posts in 2015, a total of 159 applications were received. The administration shortlisted 72 candidates for the trade test, of which 68 including the petitioners, appeared. At least 35 candidates are appointed to the post in differentcivic hospitals.

The petition prays for directions to accept the petitioners in the final selection list and appoint them in different civic-run hospitals.