Jharkhand Recruitment Exam Successfully Conducted Despite Internet Suspension and Malpractice Concerns

The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission conducted a competitive exam across the state on Saturday. The event was largely peaceful, except for a malpractice attempt in Dhanbad. Police detained two individuals from a hotel in Jharia, suspecting their involvement in exam-related misconduct. They found three mobile phones, ATM cards, a blank cheque, and a list of 21 examinees with names and roll numbers. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they are linked to any malpractice syndicate.

To ensure fairness during the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE), the state government suspended mobile internet services from 8 am to 1:30 pm. This measure will continue on Sunday for the next exam round. However, voice calls and broadband services via fixed lines remain unaffected, as per a government order.

Exam Details and Participation

The examination took place at 823 centres statewide, with around 6.40 lakh candidates registered for the weekend tests. On Saturday, approximately 40% of the 3.23 lakh registered candidates attended. On Sunday, about 3.17 lakh aspirants are expected to participate. JSSC Secretary Sudhir Gupta confirmed these figures and mentioned that strict instructions have been issued for Sunday's exam.

JSSC Chairman Prashant Kumar stated that the exams proceeded smoothly without any incidents. "No untoward incident was reported from any part of the state and the answer sheets reached strong rooms safely. Overall, the examination was smooth," he said.

Reactions to Internet Suspension

The decision to suspend internet services drew criticism from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He described it as an 'emergency' imposed by the Hemant Soren government at a BJP rally in Itkhori, Chatra. "The JMM-led government imposed an emergency in Jharkhand by suspending internet services," Chouhan remarked.

Of the two individuals detained, one hails from Jehanabad district in Bihar and the other from Gomia in Jharkhand. Dhanbad Superintendent of Police Hrudeep P Janardhanan confirmed their detention and ongoing interrogation to reporters.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized his commitment to maintaining exam integrity. He posted on X that any tampering with the efforts of Jharkhand's youth would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The measures taken reflect a firm stance on ensuring fair examinations across Jharkhand while addressing potential malpractices swiftly and effectively.