RANCHI, Aug 9: Three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) resigned on Sunday amid protests and an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the commission.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar accepted the resignations of Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad, according to a statement issued by the Lok Bhavan.
The resignations came after the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) summoned the three commission members for questioning in connection with allegations that include irregularities and paper leaks in JPSC examinations.
Bhattacharya is scheduled to appear before investigators on August 10, while Ahmad and Hansda are expected to be questioned on August 12 and August 14 respectively, officials said.
The latest developments come amid mounting pressure over the conduct of recruitment examinations in the state. The controversy has triggered protests by candidates and raised concerns over the credibility and transparency of competitive examinations.
The JPSC leadership has also undergone changes during the investigation. Commission chairperson L Khiangte resigned on July 22 and has subsequently been questioned by investigators several times since July 28.
According to officials, 19 people have so far been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations.
The investigation and resignations have intensified demands for greater accountability and stronger safeguards in the recruitment examination process, particularly to protect candidates from disruptions and alleged malpractice.