In a press conference held in Dehradun on Sunday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that his government would not oppose a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the UKSSSC graduate level exam paper leak if required, but emphasised that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) must first complete its work.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that no individual who attempts to sabotage the state’s recruitment system will be spared. He reminded that over 100 accused have already been arrested under the state’s anti-copying law, widely regarded as the strictest in the country. Dhami stressed that the message was clear—anyone trying to manipulate the examination process would face severe punishment.
The UKSSSC scandal came to light earlier this month when it was revealed that portions of the graduate level examination had been accessed illegally. Authorities described it as cheating rather than a complete paper leak. Dhami said those who received such material should have reported it immediately instead of misusing it. He pointed out that the SIT, working under the supervision of a retired High Court judge, is probing all aspects of the case to identify the culprits and expose the network involved.
Our correspondent adds that Dhami firmly backed the SIT, noting that its inquiry must proceed unhindered. Only after it submits its findings would the government consider further steps, including a potential CBI probe. He added that no political pressure would be allowed to influence the course of the investigation.
During the interaction, Dhami also highlighted his government’s achievements in recruitment. He said that in the last four years more than 25,000 youth have been selected for government jobs through transparent processes. He contrasted this with the 16,000 recruitments that had taken place in the first 21 years of the state’s formation, describing the recent record as a sign of improved governance.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister also addressed the concerns of job seekers awaiting appointment. He confirmed that letters for 10,000 government posts are ready to be dispatched and assured that the process will be carried out transparently and within strict timelines. He called on officials to handle the exercise with the highest standards of fairness and integrity.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister acknowledged the anger of students and job aspirants. Protests demanding cancellation of the tainted examination and a CBI investigation have been growing in multiple districts. Dhami urged the youth to have faith in the legal process, promising that the guilty would be punished and that the rights of deserving candidates would be protected.
Observers note that the Chief Minister’s statement reflects a balancing act. On the one hand, he is showing firmness by supporting the SIT and asserting that the state is capable of handling the investigation. On the other, he has left the door open for a federal probe, acknowledging the intensity of public sentiment and the need for broader confidence in the inquiry’s outcome.
The UKSSSC paper leak case has already exposed vulnerabilities in the state’s recruitment system, with critics warning that the credibility of public examinations must be safeguarded. Analysts believe that the final outcome of the SIT probe, and whether it is later handed over to the CBI, will set an important precedent for future recruitments.
As the state awaits the SIT’s report, the government faces the dual challenge of restoring trust in examinations and ensuring that recruitment continues without delay. For thousands of young aspirants, the handling of this case will be a decisive factor in shaping their confidence in Uttarakhand’s employment system.
