Jharkhand Protest: The Jharkhand government has agreed to consider cancelling the 14th JPSC exam, JPSC Backlog 2023, and JPSC Backlog 2025 following a second round of talks with student representatives, according to student leader Ravindra Paswan.
Additionally, the government proposed CID and ED investigations into all examinations conducted by the TDPL agency. Paswan noted that while most students’ demands concerning reforms had been accepted, one or two issues remain unresolved.
Govt Considers Cancelling Three JPSC Exams, Proposes CID And ED Probe
“This was the second round of talks with the government delegation. Regarding the specifics-particularly the 14th JPSC, JPSC Backlog 2023, and JPSC Backlog 2025 exams-the government has decided to consider cancelling all three,” Paswan told ANI.
According to Paswan, the government has agreed to have the CID investigate examinations conducted by the TDPL agency, while the ED could also be involved if financial irregularities are detected.
He said that while the government has accepted most of the demands concerning reforms, no consensus could be reached on certain issues, such as age relaxation.
Deadlock Over CGL Exam Continues
The CGL examination remains the main point of disagreement between the state government and protesting students. Paswan said that while students pressed for a CBI inquiry, the government did not agree to the demand, proposing a judicial inquiry instead.
“Regarding the CGL exam, the students demanded a CBI inquiry; however, the government did not agree to this,” Paswan said. He added, “Instead, the government stated that a judicial inquiry would be conducted under the chairmanship of a retired judge, and if financial irregularities are detected, the ED would also be involved.”
Unsatisfied with the government proposal, the student body remains firm on its demands and has decided to continue demanding a CBI inquiry.
“Nevertheless, we students continue to demand a CBI inquiry,” Paswan stated. Reaffirming that their protest is not over, he added, “The agitation will continue; the agitation is still ongoing.”
Vidhan Sabha Gherao today
As the stalemate persists over CBI probe demand, the protesting students have announced to continue the protests. Accordingly, the planned Vidhan Sabha Gherao march is set to take place in Ranchi today. The protestors will march to the state assembly with their demands.
The security arrangements have been made around the assembly to prevent any untoward incident. Additional Director General (ADG) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Jharkhand, Manoj Kaushik, said, “Comprehensive security measures are being put in place for tomorrow… Our priority remains ensuring safety and preventing any harm or adverse action against any student. We urge them that if they wish to protest, they should do so in a completely peaceful manner.”
The protesting leadership has also urged the protestors to remain peaceful and refrain from taking law in their hands.
Three JPSC members resign
On Sunday, three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) resigned after they were summoned by the CID in the alleged malpractice and irregularities in 14th JPSC exam.
The three JPSC members, Dr Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr Anima Hansda, and Dr Jamal Ahmed, have tendered their resignations to the Governor after the resignation of former Commission Chairman L Khiangte.