THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 22: The Jharkhand government is set to amend the recruitment process for Grade IV jobs in Palamu by introducing a written test, amid rising concerns over fairness and local representation.
Recruitment for 585 Posts Begins
The Palamu administration has initiated the recruitment drive to fill 585 Grade IV positions, over 300 of which are reserved. The official advertisement has been issued, with the last date to submit applications set for July 5.
Initially, the recruitment criteria did not include a written test or interview, relying solely on the marks obtained in the Class 10 examination.
Concerns Over Inflated Marks from Outside Institutions
However, fears have emerged that candidates from outside Jharkhand, particularly those from institutions like various Vidyapeeths, Sanskrit Vidyalayas, and Madrasa Boards, may have an undue advantage due to disproportionately high marks. In contrast, local candidates who studied under the Jharkhand Academic Council often struggle to secure even a first division (60%).
Sources said this disparity could put local applicants at a disadvantage, as those with inflated marks may surpass genuinely deserving local candidates.
Government Responds to Local Sentiment
State Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore addressed these concerns directly, stating: “This genuine concern of losing job opportunities to outsiders with inflated marks has been duly noted by the government.”
He confirmed that the government is considering an administrative amendment to include a written test in the recruitment process.
“Take it for granted—there will be a written test for these Grade IV jobs,” the minister asserted.
Kishore further pointed out the inconsistency in the process, highlighting that a written test was conducted in the past when the minimum qualification was only Class 8.
“It defies logic why a test was dropped now when the minimum qualification has been raised to Class 10,” he added.
Rumours of Cancellation Dismissed
The finance minister also dismissed social media rumours suggesting the recruitment process had been cancelled or shelved.
“There is no cancellation or shelving of the process. The only change is the likely addition of a written test,” he clarified.
Awaiting Official Directive
A senior official from the Palamu administration stated: “We are proceeding as per the current advertisement. If the state government issues an amendment or new directive, we will act on it immediately. For now, candidates are free to apply without hesitation.”
It’s worth noting that recruitment for Chowkidar positions in the district includes a 50-mark written test as per established rules. However, officials said this cannot be compared directly with Grade IV recruitment, as no formal rules currently exist for the latter.
