Ranchi, India – Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination on Monday, 24 days after students began protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The decision, taken during a four-hour emergency Cabinet meeting, also included the cancellation of all examinations conducted since 2014 by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), a blacklisted agency. A committee will be formed under senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to suggest reforms in the conduct of examinations.
Hundreds of students gathered at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium celebrated the announcement, with some breaking down in tears. However, Ravindra Paswan, leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, which has been leading the protest, said the agitation would continue as their key demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe had not been met. “This is the first step and first victory; our protest will continue until the CBI inquiry takes place into the irregularities,” Paswan said. The State CID has arrested B.N. Ram, Personal Secretary to former JPSC member Ajita Bhattacharya, while former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has been sent to judicial custody.
Chief Minister Soren stated that investigations by the SIT and CID have revealed several shocking facts, including a complex network of companies involved in irregularities. He noted that the government has enacted stringent laws to curb malpractice and will implement new reforms to ensure transparency. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, on hunger strike for 16 days, congratulated the protesting students and Chief Minister Soren for listening to demands, but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
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Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi also congratulated the students but criticized the government for refusing a CBI probe, alleging that the CM’s friend Vinod Singh and other officials were involved in the irregularities. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged CM Soren to personally meet the protesting students, calling their demands legitimate.
