Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has cancelled the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission–Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination amid prolonged protests by students over alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment process. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the decision after a marathon Cabinet meeting on Monday, August 17.
The government also decided to cancel all examinations, results and selections associated with TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL), an outsourced agency involved in conducting recruitment examinations in the state since 2014. The move is intended to address concerns raised by students regarding the fairness and transparency of the recruitment system.
The decision came after weeks of protests by job aspirants in Ranchi. Students had been demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and had called for a thorough investigation into the recruitment process. The agitation had continued for 24 days, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto also undertaking a hunger strike. Following the government's announcement, Mahto ended his 16-day fast and described the cancellation as a major victory for the students.
Alongside cancelling the examinations, the Soren government has announced measures to overhaul the examination system. A committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal will examine the existing recruitment and examination procedures and recommend reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and security.
The government has also ordered an investigation into examinations conducted through TDPL since 2014. The CID will examine the recruitment tests and related processes, while a separate inquiry headed by a retired judge will look into alleged irregularities. The government has indicated that those found responsible will face action.
However, the students' movement has not completely ended. Protesters have been demanding a CBI investigation, and some student groups have said they will continue their agitation until their demand is accepted. The government’s decision therefore addresses a major part of their demands but may not immediately bring the controversy to an end.
The cancellation has also created uncertainty for candidates who had already cleared the JSSC-CGL examination. Reports indicate that around 2,000 candidates who qualified are now facing uncertainty over their appointments and future employment. Their situation is likely to become an important issue as the government works out the next steps in the recruitment process.
The latest decision marks a significant intervention by the Jharkhand government in its recruitment system, with the administration now facing the challenge of conducting future examinations in a manner that restores confidence among thousands of job aspirants.
