Jharkhand governor calls for strict action against exam irregularities, says students’ future cannot be compromised
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dumka, August 15: Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, in his Independence Day address in Dumka, sent a strong message…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dumka, August 15: Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, in his Independence Day address in Dumka, sent a strong message on the need to ensure fairness and transparency in competitive examinations, saying that question-paper leaks, cheating and other forms of irregularities cannot be accepted as they directly affect the future and confidence of Jharkhand’s youth.
The Governor’s remarks assume significance as the state’s student agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations has entered its 22nd day, with protesting students continuing to demand a CBI probe into various examinations.
In his address, Gangwar said the fairness of education and competitive examinations was directly linked to the future and confidence of young people.
He said question-paper leaks, malpractice or any form of irregularity in examinations cannot be accepted because such incidents adversely affect students who are progressing based on their hard work and talent.
The Governor said he expected the state government to conduct a detailed review of shortcomings in the examination system and take concrete steps to address them. He also called for an effective mechanism to prevent the use of unfair means in examinations.
Remarks come amid prolonged student agitation
The Governor’s statement comes at a time when students protesting in Jharkhand have remained firm on their demand for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations.
The agitation has now entered its 22nd day, with students demanding a CBI probe and maintaining that assurances alone will not resolve their concerns.
Against this backdrop, the Governor’s call for a review of the examination system and effective measures against malpractice is likely to draw particular attention among students and aspirants.
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Focus on education and youth
Education was a prominent theme in the Governor’s Independence Day address. He said education should not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment but as the foundation for the overall development of an individual and excellence in life.
Gangwar said the government was working to improve the quality of education through modern teaching methods, digital equipment, libraries and laboratories.
He also highlighted the Nav Bharat Literacy Programme–ULLAS, under which around 10 lakh non-literate people aged 15 years and above have been made literate, according to the speech. The government has also sanctioned ₹495 crore for school construction in different districts, he said.
Scholarships and higher education for tribal students
The Governor highlighted the state’s efforts to connect students from tribal and rural areas with higher education.
Under the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Scholarship Scheme, students pursuing undergraduate-level technical courses are being provided an annual scholarship of ₹25,000, while students in diploma courses receive ₹15,000, according to the speech.
He also said steps were being taken to promote legal and vocational education, including the establishment of a Law College in Dumka and a School of Business and Mass Communication in Deoghar.
‘Youth are central to Jharkhand’s future’
Gangwar said Jharkhand’s young population has talent and potential, and providing them with opportunities according to their qualifications and abilities remains a priority.
He said employment opportunities should not be restricted to government jobs, and highlighted the private sector, industry, agriculture, tourism, services and self-employment as additional avenues for young people.
The Governor also encouraged youth to explore startups and entrepreneurship, with the government providing loans, training and technical assistance for small enterprises.
What the Governor said on examination reforms
The key message from the Governor’s speech on examinations was:
- No tolerance for question-paper leaks or cheating.
- Examination irregularities should not be allowed to damage students’ future.
- The examination system should be reviewed comprehensively to identify and remove shortcomings.
- Effective mechanisms should be put in place to prevent the use of unfair means.
- The credibility and fairness of examinations are essential to maintaining students’ confidence.
- The government should ensure that students get opportunities based on their hard work and merit.
A significant message amid the student-government standoff
The Governor’s comments come at a particularly sensitive moment for Jharkhand’s examination system. While Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in his Independence Day address in Ranchi, spoke of reforms, accountability and steps to restore students’ confidence in examinations, the protesting students continue to demand a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities.
The Governor’s emphasis on a “thorough review” of the examination system and effective action against unfair practices adds another significant institutional voice to the debate over examination integrity in Jharkhand.
