All three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) resigned on Sunday amid continuing protests over alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations.
JPSC members Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmed submitted their resignations, which were accepted by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, according to a statement from Lok Bhavan.
The development came after more than two weeks of protests by students and job aspirants demanding action over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.
The state government has also agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary examination as well as the JPSC Backlog 2023 and 2025 examinations, according to the report.
Jharkhand government announces two-pronged action
Following the sixth round of talks with student representatives on Sunday, the Jharkhand government announced a two-pronged approach to address the allegations.
Jharkhand Education Minister Sudivya Kumar said the CID would investigate the criminal aspects of cases linked to alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination and the 2023-25 backlog recruitments.
For suspected financial irregularities, the government said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would be asked to examine the matter.
The government also announced plans to establish fast-track courts for the cases and said chargesheets would be filed within 90 days.
A committee of experts from IIT-ISM, IIM and XLRI is also expected to be formed to recommend reforms in the recruitment examination system.
Students continue to demand wider investigation
Student protesters have been demanding the cancellation of several recruitment examinations conducted by the JSSC after 2019, along with a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities.
They have also sought greater transparency in the recruitment process, including the publication of category-wise cut-offs, OMR sheets and response sheets.
Despite the government’s latest announcements, protesters have said they will continue their planned march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday unless their demands are addressed.
Hemant Soren promises action
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government would ensure justice in cases involving alleged examination irregularities.
He said those found responsible would face strict punishment and emphasised that issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Governor Santosh Gangwar also appealed to the protesting students and the government to resolve the matter through discussions.
The resignations of all three JPSC members are likely to add further significance to the ongoing controversy surrounding recruitment examinations in Jharkhand.
