The request of Civil Service aspirants to extend the age limit, in view of the pandemic, is a genuine one. The GoTN has already raised the age...

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote an official appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government to grant a one-time age relaxation and additional attempt for Civil Services Examination aspirants whose preparations were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stalin termed the persistent representations of thousands of civil service candidates across the nation entirely genuine, equitable, and deserving of compassionate central intervention.

Highlighting the proactive measures implemented within Tamil Nadu, Stalin noted that the state government had already raised the maximum age limit by two years for all state public service commission examinations, specifically to accommodate youth who lost critical employment opportunities during widespread pandemic lockdowns. He pointed out that while several state governments instituted similar compensatory relaxations, candidates preparing for central administrative exams remained severely disadvantaged without a reciprocal Union policy.

The Chief Minister emphasized that granting a compensatory relaxation would restore hope to dedicated youths who invested years preparing for national service under unprecedented public health hardships. He appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene personally and direct the Department of Personnel and Training to grant age concessions, ensuring fair competition and equal opportunity for civil service aspirants nationwide.