Ranchi, Aug. 5: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday described recruitment examination paper leaks as a national challenge rather than a problem confined to Jharkhand, asserting that his government was working with “utmost seriousness” to address the issue amid intensifying protests by job aspirants in the state.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came a day before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly and as students continued their agitation at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations.
“The alleged paper leak is not just a Jharkhand issue, but has become a major national problem for youth in many states across the country. Our government is working on this matter with utmost seriousness,” Soren told reporters.
He said the state government was committed not only to investigating the alleged irregularities but also to finding a lasting solution for students and job aspirants.
“Our aim is not just to investigate, but to provide a complete solution to our young friends,” the Chief Minister said.
Soren said investigative agencies were working round the clock, conducting raids and taking legal action against those allegedly involved in the recruitment examination irregularities.
“The state’s investigative agencies are working on this matter with utmost seriousness and speed. Many people have already been arrested and sent to jail,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s willingness to engage with students, Soren said, “The doors of the Jharkhand government are always open. Any student or candidate with a demand or suggestion can present their views to the state government.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at Lok Bhavan and briefed him on the ongoing student agitation and the progress of the investigation.
According to a statement issued by Lok Bhavan, the Governor stressed the need for transparency and fairness in recruitment examinations and emphasised the importance of maintaining the confidence of the youth. He described the alleged irregularities as “a matter of serious concern.”
Responding to a query on whether the issue had been discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Soren said no such talks had taken place so far.
“If needed, we will discuss the matter with the Union Home Minister as well,” he said.
Students and job aspirants have been staging a protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 25, demanding action over the alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Police’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 14 people in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities. The agency has also questioned former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte four times since July 28 and conducted raids at 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad as part of the investigation.
The JPSC Combined Civil Services Main Examination, originally scheduled from July 25 to 27, was postponed citing “unavoidable circumstances” amid the ongoing probe and student protests.
