Students win again! Jharkhand govt cancels JSSC-CGL exams; probe ordered

NEW DELHI: The Hemant Soren government finally bowed to the students following weeks of protests against irregularities in Jharkhand government recruitment exams. The main demands of the students have been accepted. The JSSC-CGL exams were cancelled. The crucial announcement was made after the fourth round of discussions held last night under the leadership of Chief Minister Soren.

It has been decided to investigate all the exams conducted since 2014. Irregularities in the conduct of the exams and lapses in the procedures will come under the purview of the investigation. The government also cancelled the 14th JPSC Civil Service Exam. The Chief Minister also stated that comprehensive reforms will be brought in the JPSC and JSSC exam system to ensure transparency in the recruitment exams.

Students and candidates have been protesting in Ranchi for 24 days against irregularities in the exams. As the protest intensified, student leader Devendra Nath Mahato and others started a hunger strike.

Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi had written to Soren on Monday, seeking his direct intervention. Following this, the government agreed to hold talks with the protesters again.

Rahul had stated in the letter that the students' demands were legitimate and that the government was committed to meeting them in person and addressing their concerns.

With the cancellation of JSSC - CGL, the government will decide on the date, eligibility criteria, syllabus and other matters of the new exam.

Meanwhile, the state CID team raided the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) office. The raid came after the Chief Minister's Office confirmed receiving Rahul's letter.

CID Additional Director General Manoj Kaushik said that the raid was part of an investigation into irregularities and that the investigation team was examining documents and information related to the exams. The state investigation agency has taken 20 people, including former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, into custody.