UP tightens job verification, bars candidates in violent regime-change activities

The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for candidates selected through direct recruitment, disqualifying those involved in violent activities aimed at ‘regime change’. The order, issued on 29 October by Principal Secretary M Devaraj in compliance with an Allahabad High Court directive, sets a 30-day deadline for police verification and specifies that political ideology alone cannot be a ground for rejection. Mere registration of an FIR or a pending investigation will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Disqualifying offences include murder, robbery, rape, corruption, terrorist activities, examination paper leaks, solver gangs, money laundering, narcotics and organised crime. Cases settled by compromise or covered by juvenile law are exempt. Individuals aged 21 or above who engaged in such activities within three years of the background check may be deemed still involved unless evidence shows a change in attitude. The Times of India reports the move comes as the INDIA bloc plans a ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on 1 November, demanding the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation over alleged irregularities in voter-list revisions.