Tension gripped Ranchi on Thursday as a large group of candidates staged a protest near the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) office, alleging widespread malpractices in the recent Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE). The protesters, claiming to have evidence of paper leaks during the exam held on September 21 and 22, voiced their grievances, demanding immediate action against those responsible.
In response to the escalating situation, the Ranchi district administration swiftly imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bombay Police Act (BNSS) within a 100-meter radius of the JSSC office. These orders, effective until 10 p.m. on October 2, strictly prohibit any form of protest, rally, demonstration, or public gathering without prior authorization from the authorities. Additionally, the carrying of any weapons, including firearms, sticks, axes, spears, and bows and arrows, has been strictly forbidden within the designated area.
The JGGLCCE examination, conducted across 823 centers in Jharkhand, was held under tight security measures. The state government had even implemented a temporary suspension of mobile internet services from 8 am to 1.30 pm on both exam days to ensure a fair and tamper-proof examination environment.
Despite the stringent measures and the JSSC chairman, Prashant Kumar, publicly stating in a press conference on Wednesday that the examinations were conducted fairly and transparently, the protesting candidates remain adamant in their allegations. They insist on presenting their evidence of malpractices to the commission, urging authorities to take immediate action. Kumar, however, maintains that the JSSC will thoroughly investigate any complaints of malpractice presented with concrete proof.
The situation remains volatile, with tensions running high between the protesting candidates and the authorities. It remains to be seen how the JSSC will address the allegations and whether the ongoing protest will lead to any significant changes in the conduct of future examinations.
