Ranchi, Aug. 4: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday sought to reassure agitating job aspirants over alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination, saying the state government was sensitive to students’ concerns and would ensure justice after the ongoing investigation is completed.
Speaking to reporters, Soren said the government was closely monitoring the developments and awaiting the findings of the investigation before taking further action.
“The government has eyes and ears; it is sensitive to the issue,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “The investigation team is working day and night. We are waiting for its answer and a conclusion.”
He assured candidates that the findings of the probe would be shared with the public and that their concerns would be addressed. “Very soon we will make the students and the people of the state aware about it. All the necessities of the students will be met, and they will get justice,” Soren said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came as student protests over the alleged recruitment irregularities entered another phase. Five students continued their hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, while student leader Devendra Nath Mahato remained on an indefinite fast that began on Sunday.
The protesters announced a tribute march on the death anniversary of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, popularly known as Dishom Guru, and reiterated that their agitation was directed against alleged corruption in the recruitment system rather than any political party.
“Our fight isn’t with the Chief Minister. Our fight isn’t with any party. Our fight is with the rotten system that has taken over the system,” one of the protesters said, adding that five members of the agitation had joined the hunger strike and that the protest platform would not be used for political purposes.
The protesters are demanding cancellation of the Preliminary Test (PT) of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination and a review of examinations conducted through TDPL agencies.
Backing the state investigation, JMM leader Manoj Pandey opposed the demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, asserting that Jharkhand’s investigating agencies were capable of conducting a fair and impartial inquiry.
“Whoever is involved in such irregularities will face the strictest possible action. Whoever did this will not be spared,” Pandey said. He added that the state’s agencies were competent and that students should have confidence in them, assuring that the Hemant Soren government would ensure justice.
The developments come amid an ongoing CID investigation into the alleged JPSC paper leak case. The agency has so far arrested 11 people, while JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has tendered his resignation.
The allegations of examination irregularities remain under investigation, and no final conclusions have been announced by the authorities.
