Agartala, August 15, 2025: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has urged the state government’s Health and Family Welfare Department to defer the appointments of medical officers who scored 30 or below out of 100 in the recent recruitment examinations.

The recommendation comes after the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC) on August 13 released a list of 216 candidates deemed suitable for the post of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs). Chief Minister Manik Saha had publicly congratulated the selected candidates through his Facebook page.

However, THRC Chairman Justice Arindam Lodh noted that several of the shortlisted candidates had secured alarmingly low marks, some as low as 14, 19, 20, and 21. “The right to appropriate healthcare of citizens comes under the purview of fundamental rights as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” Justice Lodh said in his order, citing the gravity of appointing poorly performing candidates in critical health roles.

He further observed, “If TPSC recommends the names of candidates who secured less than 30 out of 100, it means playing with the life of the citizens of the state, which is not expected from a benevolent organization like TPSC.” The rights body has sought detailed reports from both the TPSC and the Health Department regarding the recruitment process.