Amid intense protests over an alleged exam paper leak, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami makes a stunning pledge to lay down his life for the state's young aspirants while approving a CBI investigation. The controversy erupted on September 21, 2025, when allegations surfaced of a paper leak in the graduate-level examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC). Job aspirants, furious over claims of cheating that could undermine their hard-earned preparations, took to the streets in Dehradun's Parade Ground.
The protests, which lasted eight days under the scorching sun, drew hundreds of youth demanding transparency, exam cancellation, and a high-level probe. Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha president Bobby Panwar played a key role in exposing the leak by circulating the question paper online, accusing the commission of rigging the process.
Details of the leak revealed a chain of events involving a candidate named Khalid Malik, who allegedly sent the paper to his sister Sabia half an hour after the exam began at 11 a.m. Sabia forwarded it to a college professor for answers, who then passed it to Panwar. Authorities swiftly arrested Malik and Sabia in connection with the incident.
Adding to the scandal, former BJP leader Hakam Singh was apprehended a day prior on charges of demanding Rs 15 lakh from candidates to ensure their success, with links to a previous 2021 paper leak case. Chief Minister Dhami described the episode as "nakal jihad," highlighting concerns over organized cheating networks.
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In a dramatic turn, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited the protest site on September 29, addressing the gathered youth with an emotional appeal. Acknowledging a communication gap, he assured them that their dreams would not be shattered and pledged unwavering support, stating, "If I have to bow down, I am ready to lay down my life for the youth if needed, because they are our future." He announced the government's recommendation for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, while noting that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under retired High Court judge U C Dhyani was already examining the matter. Dhami also promised to withdraw any cases filed against the protesters.
The government reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process, vowing that no guilty parties would be spared. However, opposition parties, particularly the Congress, expressed skepticism, pointing to past unfulfilled CBI probe promises, such as in the 2017 NH-74 scam. They plan a protest march to the CM's residence on October 3, demanding immediate action beyond announcements. Social media reactions, including posts questioning whether this is "jobs or just jumlas," reflect ongoing youth frustration with recurring exam irregularities.
Following Dhami's intervention, the agitators suspended their protest until October 10, giving the government time to act on the CBI recommendation and other demands. This temporary truce offers a brief respite, but underscores the broader issue of unemployment and exam integrity in Uttarakhand, where youth see government jobs as a lifeline amid limited opportunities.
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