THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 7: The fate of more than 30,000 applicants seeking fourth-grade employment in the Palamu district administration remains uncertain amid confusion over the recruitment process and selection criteria.
Under the existing rules and observations, marks obtained in Class 10 are to be the sole basis for selection, meaning there will be no written examination for the recruitment.
Debate Over Selection Criteria
The issue has become contentious as candidates from the CBSE board are expected to have an advantage due to comparatively higher scores, while applicants from the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) are likely to fall behind.
Sources said the Palamu district administration cannot independently introduce a written test, as doing so may violate a Supreme Court directive that recruitment for fourth-grade posts be completed by August 9, 2025.
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According to sources, the district administration was earlier “halted” by the state government following the intervention of Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore.
Recruitment Process Stuck Amid Legal Concerns
Officials said introducing a written test at this stage would require either amendment or cancellation of the original recruitment advertisement, a decision that can only be taken by the state government.
While many believe a written examination would be a more transparent and practical method, the current rules favour selection based on Class 10 marks.
The issue has also taken a legal dimension, making it difficult for the district administration to adopt any new recruitment mechanism independently.
Suggestions Emerge Over Recruitment Process
The Jharkhand Story Network spoke to common citizens, retired bureaucrats and serving senior officials regarding the issue. While opinions differed, there was broad agreement that the recruitment process should move ahead without further delay.
Among the suggestions received were:
- The state government may consider modifying the recruitment advertisement through a Cabinet decision to include a written test instead of relying solely on Class 10 marks, despite the legal complications involved.
- “As the state is a welfare state, directive principles of state policy may be explored in the recruitment of the fourth grade without any bias or prejudice to the intricacies of laws.”