12 People Died During Physical Tests for Post of Constables in Jharkhand

In a deeply distressing incident, 12 people have tragically died during physical tests for the post of constables in Jharkhand. This significant event has drawn widespread attention and raised serious questions about the safety and efficacy of the recruitment process. The physical tests, part of the Jharkhand Excise Constable Competitive Examination, have faced intense scrutiny due to these unfortunate deaths.

The recruitment process for the excise constables began on August 22, 2024, with the physical tests being the first stage. Candidates were required to complete a 10 km run, a substantial increase from the previous requirement of 1.6 km. This change in the assessment criteria has been directly linked to the tragic deaths of 12 individuals who died during physical tests. The increase in distance has posed severe challenges for many candidates, leading to their untimely demise.

Details of 12 candidates who died during physical tests

The 12 candidates who died during physical tests were from various districts, including Palamu, Hazaribagh, Sahibganj, and Giridih. The new 10 km running requirement, which replaced the previous 1.6 km standard, proved to be an overwhelming challenge. The deaths highlight the severe impact of the sudden increase in physical demands. These individuals, aged between 19 and 31, were subjected to extreme physical stress that ultimately proved fatal.

The physical tests were conducted between 6 am and noon, a period when the weather conditions were particularly harsh. The high humidity during these hours further exacerbated the physical strain on the candidates. Many collapsed and died during physical tests before they could receive medical attention. The combination of excessive humidity and the demanding nature of the 10 km run created a perilous environment for the candidates.

The Impact of Rule Changes

The introduction of the 10 km run as a mandatory requirement was part of changes made to the Jharkhand Excise Constable Cadre (Recruitment and Service Conditions) Rules in 2016. This change was intended to align the recruitment process with higher standards seen in police recruitment. However, this new requirement has had severe consequences. Candidates who were previously accustomed to a 1.6 km run were not adequately prepared for the extended distance, leading to numerous fatalities.

The decision to increase the running distance was made without sufficient consideration of the candidates’ preparedness and health. The new rules mandated that male candidates run 10 km and female candidates 5 km within a specified time. This drastic change has had significant implications, as evidenced by the 12 individuals who died during physical tests. The lack of adequate preparation time and the abrupt increase in physical demands have contributed to the tragic outcomes.

Additional Factors Contributing to the Tragedy

Several factors contributed to the 12 candidates who died during physical tests. One significant factor was the high humidity during the tests, which created a hostile environment for physical exertion. Candidates faced extreme heat and dehydration, which likely played a role in their health crises. The tests were conducted during the peak hours of heat and humidity, making the physical challenge even more severe.

Another factor was the lack of basic health checks to assess the candidates’ fitness levels before the tests. The absence of pre-test medical evaluations meant that many candidates who may have been unfit for such a demanding physical test were put at risk. The high rate of casualties among those who died during physical tests underscores the need for thorough health screenings as part of the recruitment process.

The decision to conduct physical tests before the written examination also increased the number of candidates subjected to these strenuous conditions. By placing the physical tests at the beginning of the recruitment process, more candidates were exposed to the risk of health complications. This change in the order of tests has been criticized for creating a situation where a large number of candidates faced significant physical strain.

Political and Public Reactions

The tragic deaths have sparked a significant political and public outcry. The Hemant Soren-led government has been accused of mishandling the recruitment process. The opposition, led by figures such as Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, has criticized the timing and execution of the recruitment drive, labeling it a “massacre” by the government. Bauri has raised questions about the decision to increase the physical test requirements and the lack of adequate safety measures.

In response to the criticism, the state government has ordered an inquiry into the events surrounding the deaths. The inquiry aims to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatalities and to review the current recruitment procedures. The government has promised to make necessary changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The inquiry will also address concerns about the implementation of the new assessment rules and the overall management of the recruitment process.

Family Accounts and Personal Stories

Family members of the 12 candidates who died during physical tests have shared their heart-wrenching stories. Many describe witnessing their loved ones struggling and collapsing due to the physical demands of the tests. For example, a woman from Godda lost her brother during the recruitment drive and reported seeing many candidates fainting during the run. The personal accounts from families provide a poignant reminder of the human cost of the recruitment process.

One such account is that of Utpal Kant, whose 31-year-old brother Arun Kumar collapsed after completing the 10 km run. Despite initially regaining consciousness, Arun’s condition worsened, leading to his death. Similarly, Charan Yadav’s 19-year-old brother Sumit Yadav, who had trained extensively for the tests, completed the run but collapsed later and died during physical tests. These stories highlight the severe impact of the recruitment process on the candidates and their families.

Future Considerations and Reforms

12 individuals died during physical tests have underscored the need for significant reforms in the recruitment process. Ensuring the safety and well-being of candidates should be a top priority in any recruitment drive. The implementation of the new assessment rules without adequate preparation and safety measures has led to devastating consequences.

Future recruitment processes must include comprehensive health screenings and appropriate adjustments to assessment criteria to ensure that candidates are not subjected to undue physical strain. The order of tests should be reviewed to minimize the risk of health complications. Additionally, better planning and management of environmental conditions during the tests can help mitigate risks and prevent similar tragedies.

12 individuals died during physical tests for constable posts in Jharkhand serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing candidate safety in recruitment processes. The increase in running distance, coupled with harsh environmental conditions and inadequate health checks, led to severe health complications for many candidates.

As the state government investigates the incident and prepares to resume the recruitment process, it is crucial to implement reforms that protect candidates and prevent future tragedies.