Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has extended support to students in Jharkhand protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
He said the situation could have been avoided had the state government addressed students' complaints with sensitivity and transparency at an earlier stage.
Sarma, who served as the BJP's election in-charge for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, said he had closely witnessed the concerns and frustration of JSSC-CGL aspirants over the recruitment process during his campaign in the state.
He remarked that he fully understood the emotions of students who are now agitating for justice and a secure future.
Expressing concern over the growing allegations of examination irregularities and paper leaks, Sarma said the future of lakhs of young aspirants had been put at risk.
He urged the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition government to accept the students' legitimate demands without delay and ensure justice. "Injustice to the future of the youth cannot be accepted at any cost," he said while expressing solidarity with the ongoing student movement.
The remarks come a day after Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the formation of a three-member high-level committee to examine alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.
The panel comprises Higher Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel and another senior official. The committee has been tasked with investigating the issues and recommending reforms to improve transparency in future recruitment processes.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its probe into the alleged irregularities. On Monday, CID teams carried out simultaneous raids at 18 locations across Ranchi, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chatra and other districts. Two brothers were detained in Hazaribagh, taking the total number of arrests in connection with the alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination to 13.
Authorities reportedly seized a cheque worth ₹6 crore, several documents and digital devices during the searches. These materials are being examined as part of the investigation.
Officials said the name of one Abhay Tiwari has emerged prominently during the course of the probe, though further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
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