Kathmandu— In Ranchi, Jharkhand, three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) resigned on Sunday following days of protests by job aspirants alleging irregularities in state public service examinations. The resignations came as the state government announced probes by both the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged misconduct, promising a fast-track court for prosecution. However, protesters remain steadfast in their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and plan to proceed with a march on the state Legislative Assembly.

Protestors Demand CBI Inquiry

Students have been staging protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in JPSC-JSSC examinations, including a flashlight protest carrying the national flag. Despite government concessions – including consideration of cancelling the 14th JPSC examination and backlog recruitments for 2023 and 2025 – protesters are not backing down from their primary demand for a CBI investigation. Student leader Ravindra Paswan stated that while the government had agreed to consider canceling several exams, they refused to concede to a CBI inquiry, instead proposing a judicial inquiry with potential ED involvement if financial irregularities were found.

Government Response and Investigations

The Jharkhand government has responded by accepting the resignations of JPSC members Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jamal Ahmed. Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu announced that criminal aspects of the alleged irregularities would be investigated by the CID, while financial implications would prompt a request for an ED probe. A fast-track court is to be constituted with a 90-day deadline for filing charge sheets against accused individuals. An expert committee will also be formed to suggest structural changes in the examination process, comprised of representatives from IIT-ISM, IIM Ranchi and XLRI.

Concerns Over Accountability and Systemic Issues

Protesters express skepticism that the resignations alone are sufficient to address the issues. Protester Anish Fatima suggested the resignations indicate wrongdoing within the JPSC but fear only “small fish” will be exposed by the CID, while a CBI inquiry would uncover those truly responsible. Another protester, Archana Kumari, emphasized that resignation does not ensure accountability for past mistakes and injustices suffered by affected candidates. Student leader Manish Kumar hailed the resignations as a victory, stating they represent an admission of complicity.

Security Preparations and Appeals for Peace

Ahead of the planned ‘Vidhan Sabha gherao’ march, Jharkhand Police are implementing elaborate security arrangements in Ranchi to ensure student safety and prevent any untoward incidents. Additional Director General (ADG) of CID Manoj Kaushik appealed to protesters to maintain peace while assuring a fair investigation and the arrest of 19 accused individuals. Authorities clarified that paintball guns, not pellet guns, were being carried by police personnel as a non-lethal method for identifying potential troublemakers.

The protests are ongoing, with students maintaining their demand for a CBI inquiry despite government concessions and investigations. The planned march on the Legislative Assembly is expected to further pressure authorities to address the concerns of job aspirants.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.