CID probe, fast-track courts among Jharkhand govt’s promises to protesters; minister claims ‘98% demands met’

After more than two weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, the Jharkhand government on Sunday agreed to several demands raised by the protesting aspirants, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and the JPSC backlog recruitments for 2023 and 2025.

The JMM-Congress government, backed by the RJD and Left parties, also promised investigations into alleged irregularities and criminal cases, along with the establishment of fast-track courts.

The latest talks began on Sunday after three days of inconclusive discussions. Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured the protesting students that “justice will be delivered”. Education Minister Sudivya Kumar later said the government had agreed to address concerns related to the 14th JPSC examination and the 2023-25 backlog recruitments.

What has the Jharkhand government promised?

CID, ED probes into alleged irregularities

Kumar said the government would investigate alleged irregularities and refer cases to central agencies wherever necessary. He said a “two-pronged approach” would be followed, with the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) probing criminal cases and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) examining financial irregularities.

Fast-track courts proposed

The minister said fast-track courts would be established once investigations begin. He added that chargesheets against the accused would be filed within 90 days of the investigations being launched.

IIT, IIM and XLRI experts to suggest reforms

The government also proposed forming a committee of experts from IIT-ISM, IIM Ranchi and XLRI to recommend reforms in the recruitment examination system.

Retired judge-led monitoring panel rejected by students

The government offered to form a monitoring committee headed by a retired judge to oversee the investigation. However, Kumar said the protesting students rejected the proposal.

Government says 98% demands accepted

Kumar claimed that around 98% of the demands raised by the aspirants had been accepted. However, he said the state government could not agree to the protesters’ demand for cancellation of the CGL examination.

According to Kumar, the government does not have the authority to cancel the examination because it was conducted under the supervision and directions of the high court and Supreme Court. He also pointed out that the results had already been declared and successful candidates were already employed.

The latest talks followed several rounds of discussions between government representatives and student groups on Friday and Saturday, but no major breakthrough was reached.

While the government described Sunday’s discussions as “positive”, the protesters remained firm on their demand for a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities. The JMM-led government is reportedly reluctant to hand over the investigation to the CBI, which functions under the central government led by the BJP.

The protesting students have announced plans to march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday, August 10, and said they would not compromise until their demand for a CBI probe is accepted.