The recruitment process for excise constables in Jharkhand has tragically turned grim, with 12 candidates reported dead and over 100 hospitalised due to the strenuous physical tests. The recruitment drive, which began on August 22, 2024, has been marred by a series of unfortunate incidents.
The physical tests, conducted across seven centres in Jharkhand, including Giridih, Palamu, CTC Mosabani, Sahebganj, and two locations in Ranchi, have seen a significant number of casualties. The first reports of deaths emerged from Palamu district, where four candidates died on August 27, 2024, and another four passed away the following day. Subsequent reports confirmed fatalities in Hazaribagh and other districts, raising the total death toll to 12 as of September 1, 2024.
Despite the deaths, the recruitment process continued until Chief Minister Hemant Soren intervened. He has now postponed the exams for three days to address the growing concerns over safety and management.
According to the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), the recruitment is aimed at filling 583 excise constable positions. Out of 1,27,572 candidates who appeared for the physical test, 78,023 have been declared successful. This includes 55,439 male candidates and 21,582 female candidates.
The police have stated that comprehensive arrangements, including medical teams, ambulances, mobile toilets, and drinking water, were made at all examination centres. However, the tragic deaths have sparked significant controversy and criticism. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu has condemned the government’s handling of the recruitment process, calling for Rs 50 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and job provisions for their dependents.
The situation has raised serious questions about the management and safety protocols of the recruitment drive, highlighting the need for urgent reforms and better planning to prevent such tragedies in the future.
