Agartala, 30th July 2026 : The National Health Mission (NHM) has categorically denied allegations of question paper leakage and irregularities in the recruitment examination for 126 contractual Community Health Officer (CHO) posts, stating that a comprehensive inquiry found the entire selection process to be fair and transparent.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte said the CHO recruitment was conducted through a written examination on February 1, 2026, in view of the sharp rise in applications over the past few years. While the posts are contractual for an 11-month tenure, NHM opted for a written test instead of the earlier practice of walk-in interviews due to the large number of applicants.
According to Gitte, 3,937 applications were received, of which 3,614 candidates were declared eligible and 2,614 appeared for the examination. The results were published on July 15, nearly five-and-a-half months after the test. He noted that no objections were raised throughout this period and that complaints emerged only after the results were announced on July 20.
Responding to criticism over the absence of OMR sheets, the Health Secretary clarified that OMR-based examinations are generally reserved for permanent government recruitments, whereas the CHO selection involved contractual appointments. He also dismissed allegations that candidates received marks inconsistent with their performance, explaining that the examination followed a negative marking system, leading to deductions for incorrect answers.
On allegations of cheating through mobile phones, Gitte said the department verified records from all examination centres and analysed the performance of candidates. The findings showed that high scorers were distributed across different centres, halls and roll numbers, ruling out any organised malpractice.
The Health Secretary further said officials investigated claims regarding a WhatsApp message allegedly circulating before the examination. After questioning the complainant and examining the available material, the inquiry found no evidence that the message contained the actual examination paper. A committee also reviewed every stage of the recruitment process—from preparation of the question paper to printing at the Government Printing Press, sealing under CCTV surveillance, transportation and distribution—and reported no procedural lapses.
Referring to an audio recording in which an individual allegedly offered to provide the question paper in exchange for money, Gitte said the person concerned failed to identify the caller or provide any verifiable information despite being summoned by the authorities.
He said the government intentionally spent ten days examining every allegation in light of nationwide concerns over examination paper leaks. “Had there been even the slightest indication of a leak or malpractice, the examination would have been cancelled,” he asserted.
Reiterating the government’s stand, Gitte said the investigation found no evidence of paper leakage, unfair means or irregularities. He expressed hope that making the committee’s findings public would dispel doubts among job aspirants and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the state’s recruitment process.
