Jharkhand CM Orders Review After 11 Deaths in Excise Constable Tests

Chief Minister Hemant Soren mourns the tragic loss of 11 recruits during physical exams for excise constables. He mandates an immediate rule review, postpones recruitment for three days, and ensures better medical provisions. Opposition BJP holds the state government accountable, demanding investigation and compensation.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his deep sorrow on Monday following the deaths of 11 aspirants during the physical tests for excise constable recruitment. He has called for an immediate review of the existing rules, which were established by the previous government, and mandated changes for all future recruitment processes. Addressing the issue on the social media platform X, Soren articulated his sympathy for the affected families and underscored the necessity for immediate rule amendments.

In addition, the Chief Minister directed that new rules should be applied to all forthcoming recruitment drives. He also announced a proposal for providing immediate relief and assistance to the victims and their families. "We have instructed to make changes in the rules for all future restorations of this type. Furthermore, instructions have been given to create a proposal for providing immediate relief from the government to the unfortunate victim and the bereaved family," Soren stated.

To ensure the safety and well-being of candidates, Soren postponed the recruitment process for three days, specifying that races would not be conducted after 9 am. He also ordered medical check-ups and the provision of breakfast and fruits to participants. "As a precautionary measure, we have instructed to postpone this recruitment process for the next three days. The race will not be organized after 9 am in any case. Adequate arrangements of doctors for health check-ups and breakfast/fruits for participants will be provided at all venues," he added.

Soren also questioned why relatively healthy individuals were suffering injuries during these tests and formed a committee of health experts to investigate the underlying causes. According to Jharkhand Police IG Operations, Amol Vinukant Homkar, 11 aspirants lost their lives during these tests. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP held a protest on Sunday, blaming the state government for the deaths and demanding an inquiry and compensation of at least Rs 50 lakh for the victims' families. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed these sentiments, holding the state government accountable for the tragedy.

(With inputs from agencies.)