Here’s a game-changer for aspiring government employees in Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister’s Fellows are now set to receive extra marks and age relaxation in state recruitment exams, a move that’s sparking both excitement and debate. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a fair advantage, or does it tilt the playing field for other candidates? Let’s dive in.
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has greenlit new rules to reward candidates who’ve served under the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, a 2022 initiative that empowers young researchers to study the impact of government policies and bridge implementation gaps in underdeveloped areas. These Fellows, working across 108 blocks and 100 town areas, conduct surveys, analyze schemes, and propose solutions to improve governance at the grassroots level.
Under the updated rules, CM Fellows will enjoy age relaxation in recruitment exams conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) and the UP Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC). The relaxation varies based on their tenure: one year of fellowship grants a one-year extension, two years grant two, and three years grant three. But that’s not all—they’ll also earn extra marks in exams, with the bonus scaling up based on the exam’s total marks. For instance, in a 100-mark exam, Fellows get 1, 2, or 3 extra marks for one, two, or three years of service, respectively. This scales up to 2.5, 5, and 7.5 marks in 1,000-mark exams.
But here’s the part most people miss: This isn’t just about rewards—it’s about recognizing the hands-on experience Fellows gain while working closely with government departments. Take Rajesh Kumar, a Fellow in Kaushambi district, who helped provide essential health devices to villagers and renovated 207 Anganwadi centers. Or Soumya Awasthi, who tackled severe malnutrition in Manjhanpur by counseling parents and facilitating hospital admissions for affected children. These aren’t just resumes; they’re stories of real impact.
Currently, 515 CM Fellows are deployed across sectors like planning, industrial development, and tourism, earning a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000, a digital tablet, and accommodation. The fellowship, initially one year, can be extended up to two years, with researchers working under district magistrates and chief development officers. Eligibility? A graduation degree with at least 60% marks, Hindi proficiency, and basic computer skills. Interestingly, even Ph.D. and M.Tech holders have joined the ranks.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who personally oversees the program, believes it’s a win-win: Fellows gain practical knowledge while contributing to governance. But the big question remains: Does this policy favor a select few, or does it incentivize valuable public service experience? And this is where we want to hear from you—is this a step forward, or a step too far?
As one senior official hinted, the number of fellowship seats is likely to increase, attracting more candidates. But with great perks come great debates. So, what’s your take? Let’s discuss in the comments!
