Tirunelveli MP Urges Railway Board to Allot RRB Exam Centres Within Tamil Nadu Districts

MP C. Robert Bruce Appeals to Railway Board: Allot RRB Exam Centres in Tamil Nadu Districts

As the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations approach, concerns have been raised over the allotment of exam centres for candidates in Tamil Nadu. In a strong appeal to the Chairman of the Railway Board, Tirunelveli Member of Parliament, Mr. C. Robert Bruce, has urged that exam centres for Tamil Nadu candidates be allotted within their own districts instead of distant states.

Candidates Facing Long-Distance Travel

According to the MP, the RRB exams scheduled for June 23 have created stress and inconvenience for candidates from Tirunelveli district, many of whom have been allotted exam centres not only outside their hometowns but also in other states.

For instance, a candidate from Thatchanallur in Tirunelveli has been directed to attend the exam at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering, which is located 18 km away from Varkala Railway Station near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This has caused significant travel and financial burdens, particularly for economically weaker students.

Unused Local Infrastructure Raises Questions

Mr. Bruce emphasized that this situation is unnecessary and avoidable, especially considering the available infrastructure in Palayamkottai, famously known as the "Oxford of South India." The region is home to numerous well-equipped arts, science, and engineering colleges, all of which are perfectly capable of hosting competitive exams like the RRB.

Despite this, the Railway Board has overlooked these institutions and allotted centres outside the state. This raises serious concerns about fairness, accessibility, and the physical and financial stress placed on young aspirants.

A Call for Immediate Rectification

In his memorandum to the Railway Board, MP C. Robert Bruce stated:

“The Railway Board should immediately revise its centre allocation strategy and allot exam centres within candidates’ home districts to ensure fairness and convenience.”

He further stressed that such a move would not only improve participation but also enhance the credibility of the recruitment process.

Conclusion

With just days left for the exam, the MP’s request has shed light on a systemic issue affecting thousands of candidates. The demand for RRB exam centre allotment within Tamil Nadu districts is not only valid but necessary for promoting equity and efficiency in government recruitment examinations.