Babulal Marandi Seeks Removal of JSSC Chief Prashant Kumar, Calls for Independent Probe

Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking the immediate removal of JSSC in-charge Chairman Prashant Kumar from the commission's examination reform committee and an independent inquiry into his role.

Marandi has described Kumar's inclusion in the committee as a potential conflict of interest, arguing that an official associated with the functioning of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) should not simultaneously be entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and reforming the examination system.

According to Marandi, the state government constituted the examination reform committee following allegations and controversies surrounding recruitment examinations in Jharkhand. He pointed out that Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, who has also been holding charge as JSSC Chairman since February 2024, was included in the committee.

Marandi cited the JSSC-CGL examination conducted in September 2024, which was subsequently cancelled amid controversy. He also referred to a search at the JSSC office and questioning of the commission's secretary, arguing that these developments warrant a closer examination of the functioning of the recruitment body.

The BJP leader questioned the appropriateness of assigning examination reform responsibilities to an official who has held an administrative role within the commission during a period when its examination processes have faced serious allegations.

Marandi also raised questions about Prashant Kumar's wider administrative record. He referred to alleged discrepancies involving thousands of crores of rupees in the state's accounts and mentioned a matter related to the Water Resources Department. He urged the government to order an independent examination of Kumar's role in these matters.

## Demands CBI Probe into JSSC-CGL Case

Marandi has sought the removal of Prashant Kumar and JSSC Secretary Sudhir Gupta in connection with the JSSC-CGL controversy and demanded an investigation into their respective roles. He has also called for a CBI investigation into the matter.

The letter seeks scrutiny of the officials' roles in several stages of the examination process, including the selection of examination agencies, question-paper security, conduct of examinations, result preparation and administrative approvals.

Marandi further proposed that the examination reform committee be broadened to include judicial, technical and academic experts, along with representatives of students.

He said the primary objective of the reform committee should be to restore transparency and credibility in the recruitment examination system. According to him, candidates must have confidence that examinations are conducted through an impartial and accountable process.

The demands come amid continuing political and public scrutiny of recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, with questions being raised over examination security, administrative oversight and accountability within the recruitment system.
 

Advertisement