JPSC-JSSC Protest: Deadlock persists after 3 rounds of talks, students stick to August 10 assembly gherao
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 9: The deadlock between the Jharkhand government and protesting students over alleged irregularities in JPSC and…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 9: The deadlock between the Jharkhand government and protesting students over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations continued despite three rounds of talks, with the two sides reaching agreement on several demands but failing to resolve the contentious issue of the JSSC CGL examination.
The government agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination and the 2023 and 2025 backlog examinations and assured students that the CID would investigate examinations conducted through TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL). It also agreed to seek an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged financial irregularities, if required.
However, student representatives remained firm on their demand for a CBI inquiry and indicated that the proposed August 10 gherao of the Jharkhand Assembly would continue unless their key demands were addressed.
14th JPSC, backlog exams to be cancelled
State Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu and student representatives jointly briefed the media after the three-day discussions.
According to the government, it has been agreed that the 14th JPSC examination, along with the 2023 and 2025 backlog examinations, will be cancelled.
The government also agreed that the CID would investigate all examinations conducted by TDPL. Criminal aspects would be investigated by the CID, while financial irregularities, if established, could be referred to the ED.
The government further proposed that cases arising from the investigation be heard through fast-track courts to ensure time-bound legal action against those found guilty.
TDPL role to come under CID scanner
The government assured the students that the entire process associated with TDPL would be examined, including the company’s role in conducting examinations.
The discussions focused on alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, the selection and functioning of the examination agency and the need to fix responsibility for any wrongdoing.
The government said those found responsible would face action under the law.
The resignation of JPSC members was also discussed during the negotiations, coming amid the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the commission’s examination process.
CGL remains major sticking point
The biggest disagreement remains over the JSSC CGL examination.
The government maintained that the CGL examination was conducted pursuant to a court order and that allegations concerning the examination are already under consideration before the High Court and Supreme Court. It therefore argued that the government cannot unilaterally cancel the examination.
The government proposed constituting a committee headed by a retired judge to examine the allegations and submit its report within approximately 90 days. It also proposed involving expert institutions, including IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIM Ranchi and XLRI, in the examination review and reform process.
The government further maintained that appointments already made based on the examination could not simply be cancelled.
Students, however, remained dissatisfied with the proposal and continued to demand a CBI investigation into the JSSC CGL issue.
Government rejects exclusive reliance on CBI probe
The demand for a CBI inquiry has been one of the major points raised by protesting students.
Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government wanted an investigation mechanism that would deliver results within a fixed timeframe rather than merely transfer the case to another agency.
He pointed out that cases relating to the first and second JPSC examinations had earlier been handed over to the CBI but, according to the government, had not produced the expected outcome even after more than two decades.
The government therefore favoured a retired-judge-led inquiry supported by technical and academic experts, along with CID and, where necessary, ED investigations.
Government proposes major JSSC exam reforms
As part of the proposed reforms, the government has suggested a two-tier examination system for recruitment tests such as the JSSC CGL when the number of candidates exceeds 50,000.
Under the proposed system, the examination would be conducted through a Preliminary Test followed by the Main examination. Candidates numbering up to 15 times the available vacancies would qualify for the Main examination.
The government has also proposed conducting the Main examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode to reduce the risk of question paper leaks and manipulation.
A new strategy would be developed for conducting the Preliminary Test more securely and transparently. The proposed reforms also seek greater transparency in results, including providing candidates with more detailed information about marks and reasons for rejection.
The government has further proposed better arrangements at examination centres, including accessible grievance-redressal mechanisms and essential facilities such as drinking water.
Students refuse to call off August 10 Assembly gherao
Despite the agreements reached during the three rounds of talks, the student movement remains unresolved.
The government has appealed to students and their parents to choose dialogue over agitation and urged protesters to postpone the proposed August 10 Assembly gherao.
The government maintained that its doors for dialogue remain open and that it is seriously considering the students’ concerns.
Student representatives, however, said they would consult other protesters before taking a final decision on withdrawing the agitation. At least one student representative made it clear that the demand for a CBI probe remains and that the movement would not be called off unless the core demands are addressed.
With the cancellation of the 14th JPSC and the 2023 and 2025 backlog examinations, along with the proposed CID and ED investigations into TDPL-linked examinations, the government has moved significantly on several demands. But the unresolved JSSC CGL issue and the demand for a CBI probe continue to stand in the way of a settlement.
