Ranchi:
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitment tests conducted by outsourced agency TDPL (TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd) since 2014, delivering the protesting students’ biggest demand after 24 days of continuous agitation in Ranchi.
The Cabinet Decision
The decision was taken after a four-and-a-half-hour special Cabinet meeting chaired by Soren at the state secretariat. Addressing reporters at Jaipal Singh Stadium afterwards, Soren said, “Today, we held a special Cabinet meeting to bring this matter to a conclusion. After considering all aspects and finding solutions to the issues, we have decided to cancel all examinations conducted by TDPL, the results published by TDPL, and the selection or participation of any candidates through TDPL.” He added that the Cabinet had also decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examinations, alongside the 14th JPSC preliminary and backlog civil service exams, which had already been agreed to in earlier rounds of talks.
Comprehensive Probe Ordered
Soren ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities in all JPSC and JSSC-conducted examinations dating back to 2014, saying SIT and CID probes into the JSSC-CGL exam had already uncovered “several shocking facts,” including alleged collusion between various agencies. He said the JPSC Civil Services probe would be conducted under the supervision of a retired judge. An exam reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal has also been constituted to recommend structural changes to the recruitment examination system, with public suggestions invited through an online portal.
Hunger Strike Ends After 16 Days
The announcement brought a symbolic end to the protest’s most visible flashpoint: student leaders Devendra Nath Mahto, Umme Habiba, and Rahul Kranti ended their 16-day hunger strike late Monday night. State ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari offered juice to the leaders to formally conclude their fast. Mahto thanked the state government and CM Soren, saying the students would continue to cooperate with the ongoing reform process and support efforts to remove corruption from the examination system.
CBI Probe Demand Remains Unresolved
Despite the cancellation, the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said the broader protest would continue, as its core demand for a CBI investigation — rather than a state-led probe — has not been accepted by the government. A student delegation was scheduled to hold a seventh round of talks with the government panel following the announcement.
Concerns From Those Who Already Cleared the Exam
Candidates who had already cleared the JSSC-CGL exam and secured government jobs protested separately outside the Jharkhand Secretariat, warning that as many as 2,000 people could lose their jobs as a result of the cancellation.
CM’s Message
Soren struck a conciliatory tone toward the protesting students, saying, “I do not consider these young people to be different groups. They are all concerned about their future. The government will move ahead with complete transparency on reforms.”
Note: This report is based on official statements from the Cabinet meeting and multiple news agency reports. The situation continues to evolve, with further talks between the government and protesters ongoing.
