Ranchi, Aug 20: Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s government recruitment examinations took out an ‘Abhar Yatra’ in Ranchi, thanking supporters after the state government announced a series of measures aimed at addressing concerns over the examination system.The procession was taken out from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, with hundreds of students from different parts of the state participating.
Student leaders said the thanksgiving march was dedicated to students, parents, teachers and others who supported their prolonged campaign seeking greater transparency and accountability in recruitment examinations.The government has announced the cancellation of 22 recruitment examinations and ordered investigations into 23 other examinations conducted by the state public service commission and an outsourced agency since 2014.
The JSSC-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination is among the tests affected by the government’s decision.Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto said the movement had highlighted alleged paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and corruption and urged authorities to take firm steps to prevent such practices in the future.Mahto, who had undertaken a hunger strike during the agitation, thanked students, teachers, parents and the media for their support.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for responding to the protesters’ concerns.The hunger strike was withdrawn after the government announced action on the recruitment examinations.Leaders of the JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch said the prolonged agitation had resulted in several demands being accepted and decided to temporarily suspend the protest.Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said the students would give the government two months to implement the proposed measures and introduce reforms in the recruitment system.
The student movement had focused on alleged examination malpractice, recruitment scams, paper leaks and other irregularities. The protesters have demanded a transparent and credible recruitment mechanism to protect candidates and restore confidence in competitive examinations.The students said their temporary withdrawal from the streets should not be viewed as the end of the movement.
They will monitor the government’s actions and expect the promised reforms to be implemented within the given timeframe.The developments have put the spotlight on the need for stronger examination security, transparent recruitment procedures, accountability of agencies involved in conducting tests and timely completion of government recruitment processes.
The government now faces the task of implementing its announced measures while restoring confidence among thousands of aspirants preparing for public sector jobs in the state.
