Ranchi, Jharkhand: JPSC members Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmed submitted their resignations on Sunday. The resignation letters were accepted by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, according to a statement issued by Lok Bhavan.

The development comes as student groups and job aspirants continue their protests over alleged irregularities in JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.

The Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination along with the JPSC Backlog 2023 and 2025 examinations. The decision followed the sixth round of discussions between the government and representatives of protesting students.

Education Minister Sudivya Kumar said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would probe the criminal aspects of allegations linked to the 14th JPSC examination and the backlog recruitments. The government also said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) would be approached to examine suspected financial irregularities.

The state has further announced plans for fast-track courts in connection with the cases and said chargesheets would be filed within 90 days. An expert panel comprising representatives from IIT-ISM, IIM and XLRI is also expected to recommend reforms to the recruitment examination system.

Students, however, are seeking a wider probe. Their demands include cancellation of several JSSC examinations conducted since 2019 and a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities. Protesters have also called for greater transparency through the release of category-wise cut-offs, OMR sheets and response sheets.

Despite the latest government announcements, student groups have indicated that they intend to proceed with their planned march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday unless their demands are fully addressed.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured protesters that those found responsible for irregularities will face strict action. He also urged all sides to resolve the issue through dialogue and avoid confrontation.

Governor Santosh Gangwar has similarly appealed to the students and the state government to continue discussions and find a resolution.

The resignation of all three JPSC members marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy over recruitment examinations in Jharkhand.