GUWAHATI: Amid the ongoing protest by students in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch has put forward a set of demands seeking cancellation of several examinations, independent investigations and comprehensive reforms in the recruitment process.
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According to the demands listed in the Manch’s press release, it has sought the immediate cancellation of all JPSC examinations allegedly conducted by TDPL, including the 14th JPSC, JPSC Backlog 2023 and 2025, Forest Range Officer, 11th-13th JPSC and Assistant Public Prosecutor examinations.
The group has also demanded the cancellation of examinations in which Abhay Tiwari was allegedly successful, appointed or involved, including JSSC CGL, JSSC PGT and Assistant Conservator of Forests examinations.
The protesters have called for a fair and time-bound investigation into alleged examination scams and irregularities by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). They have specifically demanded investigations into JSSC CGL, including the January 2023 paper leak and September 2023 re-examination, JSSC PGT, JSSC Secondary Teacher Recruitment, JSSC Laboratory Assistant Recruitment, Lady Supervisor Recruitment, Excise Constable Recruitment and other allegedly suspicious examinations.
The Manch has further sought an investigation into the role of outsourcing agencies, commission officials, universities and institutions issuing certificates, along with alleged malpractices, and has called for strict legal action against those found guilty.
It has demanded that the final investigation report be made public within three months and that accountability should extend beyond the resignation of the JPSC and JSSC chairpersons. The group has sought removal and action against members and employees found guilty or involved in irregularities.
Among its broader reform demands, the Manch has called for an end to the outsourcing of examinations and wants recruitment tests to be conducted directly by the respective commissions. It has also demanded publication of cut-off marks at every stage, disclosure of both original and normalised marks in final results, and online access to OMR sheets and answer scripts.
The protesters have also sought the appointment of JPSC and JSSC members without political backgrounds, speedy investigation and disposal of examination-related cases, a candidate-friendly help desk, regular press briefings, and the release and strict implementation of an annual examination calendar.
Other demands include changes to the qualifying time for the physical test in Sub-Inspector and Constable recruitment, age relaxation for JSSC recruitment, and the introduction of comprehensive laws, rules and standard operating procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Manch has also demanded financial assistance of Rs 1 crore for the families of deceased Excise Constable candidates and called for the immediate revocation of the suspension of whistleblower Santosh Mastana.
The protesters have said the movement will continue until their demands are fulfilled.