Ranchi: The controversy over the alleged NEET paper leak and Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on Saturday has renewed attention on Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations, which have faced allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, delays and prolonged court battles.The latest row centres on the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. Alleged irregularities in the preliminary test prompted a CID probe earlier this week. Searches were conducted at several locations, and officials and others associated with the examination process were arrested. The main examination was subsequently postponed.JPSC also suspended its 2026 examination calendar, affecting nine major recruitment tests.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Former commission chairperson L Khiangte, who resigned, is under scrutiny.In this backdrop, aspirants from across the state began an indefinite satyagraha at Bapu Vatika in Morabadi on Saturday, demanding transparency and accountability in competitive examinations. They sought cancellation of the preliminary examination results and a CBI probe into disputed recruitment exercises.Former chief minister and BJP functionary Raghubar Das backed the protesters and accused the state govt of failing to act against alleged irregularities. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh-based private agency TDPL was assigned eight key responsibilities for the JPSC preliminary examination despite having been blacklisted by JSSC in 2025.Das demanded a CBI probe into the latest examination and previous recruitment processes.Earlier this year, the JSSC Excise Constable Competitive Examination came under scrutiny after police arrested 164 people, including 159 candidates, for alleged links to a paper leak and solver gang.The JSSC field worker recruitment examination also recorded low attendance, with around 86,644 of more than 3.22 lakh registered candidates appearing. Aspirants blamed distant centres and delays in issuing admit cards.“We want free and fair examinations in accordance with standard operating procedures,” said Dhanbad aspirant Deebandhu Upadhaya.Congress accused BJP of politicising the issue. Spokesperson Rishikesh Singh said recruitment exercises, including the sixth JPSC examination conducted during the BJP govt’s tenure, also faced allegations of irregularities.He said the state govt enacted a stringent anti-paper leak law and ordered investigations whenever complaints emerged. Those found guilty should face strict punishment, irrespective of their position or influence, he added.(Inputs from Sanjay Sahay)
