Ranchi: More than 5.65 lakh candidates will appear for Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) on Sunday, a decade after the last examination, amid heightened scrutiny over malpractice and recruitment irregularities.Organised by Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), the test is expected to accelerate the recruitment process for nearly 39,000 vacant teaching posts in govt primary and upper primary schools.In a public appeal on Saturday, chief minister Hemant Soren warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in malpractice or those facilitating it. He also cautioned personnel against failing to perform their assigned duties.“Strict legal action under the Jharkhand Competitive Examination Act, 2023 will be taken against anyone engaging in or facilitating malpractice at any level, as well as against personnel who fail to discharge their designated duties,” Hemant said.Under the Act, offences may attract punishment ranging from three years of imprisonment and a Rs 5 lakh fine to life imprisonment and penalties of up to Rs 10 crore, depending on their nature and severity.Govt’s warning comes against the backdrop of nationwide outrage over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and protests in Jharkhand over suspected irregularities in recruitments conducted through Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.“The state govt is committed to qualitative reform in education and human resource development. Conducting examinations in a malpractice-free environment and publishing results on time is the govt’s priority,” Hemant said.The test will be held at 986 centres in two shifts — from 9.30am to noon and from 2pm to 4.30pm. District administrations completed final preparations and trained centre superintendents on Saturday.In view of the expected rush, South Eastern Railway has introduced special trains for candidates. The services will operate for two days, with four round trips between Ranchi and Medininagar, and Ranchi and Dumka. SER will also run a JTET special between Tatanagar and Deoghar. Train 08119 will leave Tatanagar at 6.30 pm on Sunday and reach Deoghar at 8 am on Monday. Train 08120 will depart Deoghar at 10.10 am on Monday and reach Tatanagar at 2.30 am on Tuesday.JAC has also opened a control room to address candidates’ queries and logistical problems. The helpline numbers are 7485093436, 7485093437 and 7485093440.For many aspirants, the test marks the end of a long wait. “The last JTET was held a year before I completed my graduation. Finally, I will be able to appear for the test after a long wait. I am confident I will clear it,” said aspirant Rajesh Kumar.(With inputs from B Sridhar in Jamshedpur)
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