Allegations of Irregularities in Lab Technician Recruitment, Fake Certificates Used to Secure Weightage

The recruitment process for Lab Technician Grade-II posts conducted by the Medical and Health Services Recruitment Board (MHSRB) has come under controversy. Candidates have alleged large-scale irregularities, claiming that ineligible applicants secured jobs by submitting fake experience certificates to gain service weightage.

MHSRB had issued a notification on September 11 last year for the recruitment of 1,284 Lab Technician Grade-II posts. As per the notification, 80 marks were allotted for the computer-based written examination, while 20 marks were reserved as service weightage for candidates working on contract or outsourcing basis in government services.

According to the rules, candidates working in tribal areas were eligible for 2.5 points for every six months of service, while those working in other areas were eligible for two points per six months, subject to a maximum of 20 points. The notification clearly stated that weightage would be granted only if the candidate had previously worked as a Lab Technician in state government hospitals, institutions, or schemes. Only experience certificates issued in the prescribed format by competent authorities were to be accepted, with the notification date considered as the cut-off for calculating service.

The issue came to light during the counselling process held between the 20th and 22nd of this month. Counselling was conducted across seven zones, including Charminar, Jogulamba, Yadadri, Rajanna, Bhadradri, Basara, and Kaleshwaram. Following the release of the selected candidates’ list by the Health Department, several unsuccessful aspirants alleged that ineligible candidates were selected unfairly.

Candidates claim that individuals working in unrelated roles—such as contract lecturers in government vocational junior colleges, RT-PCR scientists, T-Hub managers, lab attendants, and others not qualified as lab technicians—secured up to 20 percent weightage using fake experience certificates. It is also alleged that candidates appointed temporarily during the COVID-19 period were selected based on experience certificates, despite such appointments not meeting the eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification.

Aggrieved candidates have reportedly submitted complaints with documentary evidence to senior MHSRB officials but allege that no action has been taken so far. They are demanding a thorough inquiry into the use of fake certificates and strict action against those who allegedly violated recruitment norms, stating that a proper investigation would reveal the truth.