(Left) Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato (Right) Students waged peaceful protest in Jharkhand against the irregularities sin paper leak
Ranchi: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato thanked the Jharkhand government and Chief Minister Hemant Soren for accepting the students’ demands and said the ongoing probe was targeting those involved in examination irregularities.
He said the students would continue to support efforts to remove corruption from the examination system and would cooperate with the government in the ongoing reform process.
His remarks came after the Jharkhand Chief Minister announced that the state government had decided to cancel all activities associated with TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), including examinations conducted, results published and candidate selections.
The government also decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examinations.
Speaking to ANI, Mahato said, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents, members of the media, the police administration, and especially the Jharkhand government and Chief Minister Hemant Soren for supporting and cooperating with this movement. We express our gratitude for taking the students’ issues seriously and fulfilling our demands; most importantly, the investigation is being conducted meticulously, and every corrupt individual involved is being apprehended. They are making a concerted effort to reach the true kingpins behind these gangs…”
Mahato also said they would support the government’s investigation into alleged examination irregularities but stressed that they wanted a system that would prevent paper leaks and other irregularities in the future.
“We, the students, will continue to support this investigation and the effort to eradicate this corrupt system at its very roots, and we will persist in our struggle regarding the ongoing reform process… If our issues are resolved and our demands met, why would we need to hold further protests? We are currently awaiting an official notice. In my life, I have seen many instances where CBI or CID investigations were ordered and then cancelled. We need a system where the government guarantees that paper leaks and irregularities will never happen again in the future; we need a guarantee of such a system… We will cooperate with the government in this endeavor, and we expect the government to continue its support in the same manner,” he said.
“Action has certainly been taken regarding the irregularities and malpractice that plagued the system–the very issues we fought against, even risking our lives during the agitation. While our demands have been met, we cannot say we are fully satisfied yet, as a long battle still lies ahead. Nevertheless, we extend our thanks and gratitude to the government for addressing our demands. We also thank all our friends in the media, as well as the police, the administration, the students, and the parents. However, our struggle to reform the entire education system will continue. As for our future strategy, we will announce it after sitting down to discuss and deliberate on the matter,” Mahato said.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on August 17 had announced that the state government has decided to cancel everything associated with TDPL (TSR Data Processing Private Limited), including the examinations conducted, the results published and the candidates selected.
Soren told the media at Jaipal Singh Stadium that the state Cabinet has decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examinations as well.
“A comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into all errors–minor or major–that have occurred since 2014. We will also soon convene to discuss the amendments made to the MMDR Act by the Central Government; if necessary, we may even call a special session to deliberate on this specific issue,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that investigations being conducted by both the SIT and the CID have brought to light “several shocking facts”.
“Since the investigation is ongoing, it is not possible to disclose every detail openly; however, it has been observed that individuals appointed through the CGL process are now being arrested on charges related to irregularities in the JPSC examinations. Furthermore, there appears to be a complex, interconnected network involving various companies that have operated here at different times,” he noted.
The Chief Minister said the scope of the investigation covers all examinations held from 2014 to the present.
“We have instructed the concerned department and the CID; since the investigation has been initiated, it must be carried out thoroughly,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the government is addressing all aspects of the issue.
“We have decided to cancel everything associated with TDPL–including the examinations conducted, the results published, the candidates selected or who participated, and all other activities carried out by TDPL,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government would ensure complete transparency in reforms related to examinations and address concerns raised by students protesting over alleged irregularities.
“I do not consider these young people to be different groups. They are all concerned about their future. The government will move ahead with complete transparency on reforms. There is already an SOP for conducting examinations, and if it had been followed, these irregularities would not have occurred.
Nevertheless, further improvements will be made based on suggestions received. A portal has also been opened for students, teachers and parents to submit suggestions, which will be shared with experts,” he said. The cancelation of JSSC-CGL examinations has been a major demand of protestors.
The student protest in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) had entered its 24th day on August 17.
The protesting students have been demanding reforms in the examination system and action over alleged irregularities. (With inputs from ANI)
