"Entscheidungen zur richtigen Zeit": CM Soren über Rekrutierungsstreit während der Proteste

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed growing unrest over alleged irregularities in public service commission recruitment exams on Tuesday, stating that decisions regarding the matter would be made “at the appropriate time” following a thorough review of all claims. His comments came as thousands of job aspirants continued their indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged misconduct involving the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and other recruitment processes. The protesters have called for an inquiry led by retired high court judges from outside the state, expressing deep distrust in the current investigative mechanisms. Soren emphasized that the government was treating the concerns raised by the protesters with “complete seriousness.” Speaking to reporters in Ranchi, he confirmed that probe agencies were actively examining every allegation related to the recruitment examinations. “Wherever any kind of mistakes have happened or are happening, all those things are being thoroughly examined,” he said, adding that once the findings were clear, the government would make its decisions accordingly. However, the protesters remain unconvinced, arguing that the state’s Central Industrial Security Force (CID) lacks the independence required to conduct a credible investigation. The demonstrators had initially sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), citing evidence of large-scale financial transactions tied to the alleged recruitment scam. Their demands evolved on Tuesday, shifting toward an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand. Job aspirant Vinay Mehta from Hazaribagh accused the government of attempting to “whitewash” the issue through the CID. He cited previous investigations into the JSSC-CGL exam leak, where the CID reportedly found that answers to 135 out of 150 questions had been leaked, with 120 matching the actual examination paper exactly. Despite this, Mehta claimed no substantial action was taken, even though candidates submitted evidence of the leaks. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das has joined the call for transparency, urging Soren to engage directly with the protesting students and consider their demand for a CBI investigation. Speaking at a press conference in Jamshedpur, Das stated he had written to the current chief minister, asking him to initiate dialogue with the agitated youth. “They are protesting against serious allegations of corruption and irregularities in recruitment examinations,” Das said, emphasizing that the government should ensure justice by addressing these concerns. He added that he wrote the letter not as a former chief minister or with political motives, but based on his understanding of student movements, referencing his own beginnings during the JP movement of 1974. Das also highlighted the lack of basic amenities for the protesters, noting that they were not receiving adequate provisions such as tents, drinking water, or medical care despite their peaceful demonstration. He warned that the situation could escalate into a broader mass movement if the government did not respond effectively. Comparing the current crisis to the NEET paper leak case, Das pointed out how the central government had acted decisively by canceling the examination, initiating a CBI probe, and organizing a re-examination. He implied that similar swift measures might be necessary in Jharkhand to restore public confidence. The protesters continue to hold their sit-in, showing no signs of relenting until their demands are met. Meanwhile, the government insists that the investigation is progressing and that decisions will be made when the time is right. As tensions mount, the focus remains on whether the authorities will heed calls for an independent probe or maintain their stance on existing investigative bodies. The outcome of this standoff will likely determine the trajectory of both the recruitment process and the credibility of the administration in handling such sensitive issues.