The path of winning the assembly elections is becoming difficult for the Hemant Soren-led JMM coalition government of Jharkhand. In fact, the government is badly surrounded by the issue of paper leaks in competitive examinations and irregularities related to Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The government is not able to answer the public on these issues.
Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jharkhand. During this, he raised the issue of exam paper leak and targeted the ruling JMM. Along with this, Shah promised the public that if his party forms the government in the state, these cases will be investigated by the SIT and the culprits will be given the harshest punishment.
Addressing the people of Jharkhand, Amit Shah said, ‘More than 11 examination papers were leaked, but Hemant Babu is silent because those who leaked the papers are his close associates. Although you have given us protection, I am saying that we will form an SIT and put those who leaked the paper behind bars.
Many questions raised on the attitude of Hemant government
Questions are being raised on the way Hemant government handled the recent paper leak issue. This is a matter related to the faith of the people of Jharkhand. The approach adopted by the government has been strongly criticized. Many argue that if the JMM government had given priority to exam security, such incidents could have been avoided. It has also been alleged that the government ignored suspected irregularities in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations and failed to take appropriate action.
This naturally raises the question: Why was the paper leaked? Did the government lack the capacity to stop this or was it lacking in its commitment to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process? Notably, other states have also taken strict measures to prevent similar incidents, some of which have achieved significant success in maintaining the integrity of the exam.
Doubts arose due to the government’s lax response. Hemant government faced criticism for its weak stance in stopping paper leaks. Candidates expected quick action and accountability, but the delay led to public disappointment.
Allegations of cover-up further damaged public trust. The administration’s slow, opaque communications fostered suspicions that it was more focused on protecting its image than taking meaningful action. This inaction has not only affected the current job seekers but has also cast doubt on the future prospects of many talented youth of the state.
Why has trust in JMM government’s investigation been lost? Many now suspect that corruption and favoritism may affect government recruitment practices. It has called for an independent or judicial inquiry, as confidence in the state’s internal investigations is eroding.