Amit Modi
Ranchi
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Monday strongly backed students protesting against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC CGL examination. Maintaining that their demand for cancellation is “justified”, he called upon the Hemant Soren Government to restore credibility in the recruitment system.
Munda said the agitation reflects a deep sense of betrayal among aspirants. “They feel deceived and believe merit has been disregarded. When a hardworking student loses an opportunity because of irregularities, it is not merely that student’s loss, it is a loss for the State,” he told The Pioneer.
Munda acknowledged that appointments have already been made and that Supreme Court judgments are being cited against cancellation. However, he cautioned against using judicial orders as a shield. “The Government cannot simply use a court order and say cancellation is difficult after appointments. It should place the complete facts before the Court, punish those responsible and determine an appropriate mechanism if irregularities have affected the examination,” he said.
On the role of officials, Munda stressed that governance requires impartiality and integrity. “I have heard allegations of serious complicity of some officials and protection being extended to certain people. These matters must be investigated impartially,” he added.
Rejecting the claim that the agitation is politically motivated, Munda clarified: “I have neither gone there to sit on a dharna nor to get myself photographed with protesters. This is not about doing politics. The issue is whether what has surfaced is being examined impartially.” He emphasized that students’ concerns cannot be dismissed as mere politics when their future is at stake.
Students have demanded a CBI probe, and Munda believes credibility itself has been eroded. “When credibility is questioned, the Government must tell students what mechanism it proposes for an impartial investigation. Students must be convinced that the Government stands with their legitimate concerns and that merit will be respected,” he said.
The senior BJP leader expressed unequivocal support for the students. “Absolutely. But political parties should not use a students’ movement merely for their own benefit. Protest is the Opposition’s responsibility, but students’ interests must come first,” he cautioned. He urged the Government not to adopt an obstinate approach, noting that “what has surfaced raises serious questions about organised wrongdoing in the recruitment process.”
He also linked the controversy to broader governance issues. “The State Government must audit its own working methods and examine where governance has failed. There is also a serious deficit of policy discussion. Governments need a comprehensive perspective, and that requires listening even to critics,” he observed.
Calling for a dialogue and constructive engagement, the former Chief Minister said: “There is no greater strength than dialogue. The Government should engage with students, understand their concerns and examine the matter impartially. Students, too, should take their movement forward constructively, keeping their future in mind. The objective should be to restore the dignity and credibility of institutions, punish those found guilty and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.”
