Dehradun: In a significant move aimed at defusing tensions surrounding the recent examination scandal in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached out directly to the protesting youth at Parade Ground, Dehradun, and assured them that the government would recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter. The announcement came after a series of protests by students demanding transparency and accountability in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) examination process.
CM Dhami’s Unexpected Visit to Protest Site
On Monday afternoon, CM Dhami made an unexpected visit to the Parade Ground, where hundreds of youth had gathered to express their dissatisfaction over the recent examination controversy. Addressing the protesters, Dhami expressed empathy for the youth, acknowledging the challenges they face while preparing for government jobs in the state.
“I don’t feel good seeing young people agitating in this heat during the festive season. The government’s only resolution is to ensure complete transparency in the examination process. We will not allow any doubts to cloud the minds of the youth,” said Dhami.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that the government had been working towards improving transparency in the recruitment process over the past four years, conducting more than 25,000 recruitments without any major complaints. He assured the youth that the government was fully committed to addressing the concerns raised by them.
CBI Inquiry to Ensure Transparency
In his address, Dhami confirmed that the controversial exam case, which had raised suspicions of irregularities, was already under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a retired High Court judge. However, in response to the protesters’ demand, he stated that the state government would now recommend a CBI inquiry to ensure absolute transparency and resolve any doubts surrounding the process.
“There will be no obstacle in this decision,” Dhami assured the students, signaling the government’s willingness to leave no stone unturned in investigating the matter.
An Emotional Appeal to Youth
The Chief Minister made an emotional appeal to the protesting youth, acknowledging the importance of government jobs in their lives. “I understand that youth and students of Uttarakhand work hard and prepare for government jobs after completing their education, and they dream of building a beautiful future on that foundation. I have witnessed these struggles myself,” he said.
Dhami highlighted that the issue raised by the youth was the only instance in the past four years where a complaint had surfaced. The government’s priority, he stressed, was to ensure no one was left with any mistrust or suspicion about the recruitment process in the future.
Solidarity and Withdrawal of Cases Against Protestors
In a gesture of solidarity, CM Dhami also announced that any cases filed against the protesting youth during the agitation would be withdrawn. This move aims to restore confidence among the youth, signaling that the government stood with them in their quest for justice.
“Uttarakhand must become the best state in the country, and the youth will play a pivotal role in achieving that vision. We will ensure that there is no doubt in their minds regarding the fairness of the recruitment process,” he emphasized.
Commitment to a Transparent Recruitment Process
The Chief Minister reiterated that while the current issue had raised questions about the UKSSSC exam, the Uttarakhand government had demonstrated unwavering commitment to fair recruitment practices in the past. Over 25,000 recruitments had been conducted transparently in the past four years, with no complaints raised by candidates. He expressed hope that the CBI investigation would help restore faith in the system and bring the issue to a fair resolution.
Youth as Pillars of Uttarakhand’s Progress
In his final remarks, Dhami underscored that the youth of Uttarakhand were the backbone of the state’s development. He invoked the vision of “Amrit Kaal” (the period leading to India’s 100th year of independence) and said that Uttarakhand’s success would depend largely on the active participation of the youth.
“We are working towards building a developed Uttarakhand, and the youth will play an indispensable role in shaping the future of the state. The government’s priority is to empower them with opportunities, transparency, and trust,” Dhami concluded.
