Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and merit-based recruitment, stating that fairness in public appointments remains a top priority of the administration.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while felicitating successful candidates of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) 2022 examination during the 14th Foundation Day celebration of Creative Circle Coaching Institute held at Hotel Imolesh in Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, Singh lauded the coaching institute for its role in mentoring civil service aspirants despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s prolonged law and order issues.

The Chief Minister interacted with the newly selected MPSC candidates and sought their views on the recruitment process. According to Singh, all the successful candidates expressed confidence in the fairness and transparency of the selection exercise.

“Transparency and fairness remained our foremost priority throughout the recruitment process,” Singh said, adding that public confidence in government institutions depends on the credibility of recruitment systems.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the selection process, the Chief Minister said he had consciously avoided any contact with the Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission before the declaration of the results.

“I deliberately refrained from contacting or meeting the MPSC Chairman before the results were announced so that the process remained completely free from any external influence,” he said. Singh added that he congratulated the Commission Chairman only after the results had been officially declared.

Expressing satisfaction over the outcome, the Chief Minister said the successful candidates had secured their positions through merit and hard work, underscoring the importance of a transparent recruitment mechanism in strengthening trust in public institutions.

During the programme, Singh also highlighted the government’s efforts to support aspiring civil servants through financial assistance.

He announced that the state government has implemented the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Civil Services, with an annual allocation of Rs 2.8 crore. Under the initiative, the top 200 civil services aspirants will receive full scholarships to help them prepare for competitive examinations.

Retired IAS officer R.K. Nimai Singh, who also addressed the gathering, urged the successful candidates to uphold integrity, honesty and professionalism throughout their careers.

He called upon the future civil servants to serve society with dedication and remain committed to ethical governance while resisting corruption and malpractice.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including retired IPS officer Thangjam Brojen, retired Principal Dr B. Lalhari Sharma, faculty members, parents, students and well-wishers.

The Chief Minister and other dignitaries felicitated the successful MPSC 2022 candidates in recognition of their achievement and contribution to strengthening the state’s administrative services.

The programme highlighted the importance of merit-based recruitment and capacity-building initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of public administrators in Manipur.