Open Letter to the Chairman, Manipur Public Service Commission

Respected Sir,
At the outset, I extend my sincere congratulations on your appointment as the Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC). Your assumption of office comes at a pivotal moment—one defined by immense public expectation and the urgent need to restore trust in an institution that plays a vital role in shaping the future of our state’s governance and administration.
The annulment of the MCSCCE 2016 recruitment process—first by the Hon’ble High Court and later upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court—was a landmark event, underscoring the systemic irregularities that had compromised both procedural integrity and public trust. Although the re-conducted examination in 2022 was seen as a corrective measure, it has become the subject of renewed controversy and litigation, especially concerning the appointment of 43 Sub-Divisional Collectors (SDCs) beyond the officially notified vacancies—an act widely viewed as inconsistent with judicial directives.
This ongoing uncertainty is not just a matter of administrative concern—it is a crisis that affects the very foundation of public service delivery in Manipur. As a mentor to many civil service aspirants and a concerned citizen of Manipur, I have witnessed firsthand the emotional and psychological toll that the prolonged delays, recurring litigations, and lack of procedural clarity have taken on young candidates. Many of them—bright, capable, and committed—have been left disheartened, uncertain of their future, and burdened by a sense of helplessness in a system that was meant to empower them.
The implications go far beyond individual hardship. Manipur continues to suffer from a crippling shortage of trained, permanent officers who possess the local knowledge, commitment, and continuity essential for effective governance. In their absence, ad hoc deputations and temporary arrangements have proliferated, often at the cost of accountability, efficiency, and public trust.
I also wish to draw attention to the plight of numerous women aspirants who were once full of promise and determination. The indefinite delays caused by procedural lapses and legal challenges led many to abandon their aspirations—pressured by age limits, family responsibilities, or the need to pursue other livelihoods. These were not choices made lightly, but forced decisions in the face of a prolonged and uncertain recruitment landscape.
Sir, the responsibility before you now extends beyond conducting examinations. It is a moral and institutional imperative to lead a process of systemic reform. This must include strict adherence to constitutional provisions, transparent notification of vacancies, timely implementation of reservations, and unfailing compliance with judicial orders. These principles must be the cornerstones of a credible and future-ready MPSC.
Equally urgent is the need to address past failures. Institutional accountability must be ensured, and those responsible for the 2016 debacle must be identified through impartial inquiry. Without such corrective action, any reform effort risks being perceived as superficial.
I write this letter in the spirit of constructive engagement—with the hope that your leadership will mark a turning point in the functioning of the Manipur Public Service Commission. May it evolve into an institution that upholds merit, fairness, and constitutional morality—not just in letter, but in spirit.
The future of Manipur’s public administration depends on it.
With sincere regards,
Thounaojam  Luwangamba
Founder, Mahei Civil Services Institute