Mizo students protest outside MPSC office demanding recruitment reforms

Members of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), an influential student organization, staged a demonstration outside the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC) office in Aizawl on Monday. Protesters picketed the premises, preventing staff and officers from entering. While the demonstration was largely peaceful, a brief scuffle occurred between police and protesters when officials attempted to access the office.

The MZP is demanding structural reforms and increased manpower to improve the commission’s efficiency and credibility. A primary point of contention is the One Time Registration (OTR) system. The organization has called for the OTR system to be scrapped in favor of post-specific application forms. They also requested a one-time opportunity for candidates who passed written exams but were disqualified during document verification due to incomplete OTR uploads to submit documents offline.

MPSC officials defended the OTR system, stating it was designed to simplify applications, ensure fairness, and reduce repetitive data entry. Officials noted that the system is widely used by other State Public Service Commissions across India and argued that meeting the protesters' demands could have significant implications for appointments that have already been finalized.