No Paper Leak in Jharkhand, Recruitment Issues Can Be Resolved Through Talks: Minister Irfan Ansari

Ranchi: Jharkhand Health and Medical Education Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday dismissed allegations of a paper leak in the state, saying the concerns raised by students protesting against recruitment examinations could be addressed through dialogue rather than cancelling the tests.

His remarks came as the agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 13th day, with support for the movement continuing to grow.

The protest, being held at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, saw representatives from several student organisations join the demonstration on Thursday, expressing solidarity with the aspirants and backing their demand for greater transparency and reforms in the recruitment process.

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Addressing reporters, Ansari said there had been no paper leak in Jharkhand.

"I want to say again that there has been no paper leak in Jharkhand. This is not Uttar Pradesh, not Bihar, and not Gujarat. This is Jharkhand, and we are concerned about it," he said.

The minister maintained that the state government had acted wherever irregularities were found.

"Whatever irregularities have occurred, action has been taken against them. Jharkhand is the only state which has taken action against the accused. Name one BJP-ruled state where action was taken? Our Chief Minister has shown generosity," he added.

Responding to demands for cancellation of the JPSC examination, Ansari argued that such a move would create fresh discontent among candidates who had already qualified.

"If the JPSC examination is cancelled, the successful candidates will also come out in protest demanding that the results should not be scrapped. There may have been some mistakes, but they can be corrected. Every issue can be resolved through dialogue," he said.

The protest, led mainly by JPSC aspirants, has gathered momentum over the past two weeks. Despite continuous overnight rain, demonstrators remained at the protest site, insisting they would continue their agitation until the government addressed their demands.

Student leader Devendra Mahto also continued his indefinite hunger strike, while fellow protesters stayed at the venue through the night despite adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, a delegation of students was scheduled to hold talks with representatives of the Jharkhand government on Thursday. The outcome of the meeting is being closely watched, with both sides hoping the dialogue could help break the deadlock and pave the way for a resolution.

With inputs from IANS