West Bengal Public Service Commission Appointment of Actor-Activist Draws Questions
The appointment of an actor and political activist to the West Bengal Public Service Commission has sparked questions, with the state government defending the decision.
Punita Thakur 
West Bengal Public Service Commission Appointment of Actor-Activist Draws Questions
On February 6, retired IFS officer Debal Roy was appointed chairman of PSC.
Alongside him, four members were named — actor Diganta Bagchi, social worker Sabir Siddhartha Gaffar, retired WBCS officer Debashish Bandyopadhyay, and political activist Barnali Mukherjee. While Gaffar was already a member for over a year, the inclusion of Bagchi and Mukherjee has sparked debate.
The appointment of an actor and political activist to the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has triggered debate, with critics questioning the selection while the state government has defended its decision. The controversy centres on concerns raised over the individual’s background and suitability for a constitutional body responsible for conducting civil service examinations and recruitment processes in the state.
Opposition voices have alleged that the appointment may reflect political considerations, arguing that positions within the Commission require demonstrable administrative or academic expertise. They have called for greater transparency in the selection process.
In response, the West Bengal government has defended the appointment, maintaining that the selection was made in accordance with established procedures and that the appointee possesses relevant experience and credentials.
The WBPSC plays a critical role in recruiting candidates for various state government services. As such, appointments to the Commission often attract public scrutiny to ensure institutional independence and credibility. The development has intensified political debate in the state, with both sides presenting contrasting perspectives on governance standards and appointment norms.
