The government’s decision addresses a key demand of the 24-day agitation, but protesters say the movement will continue until a CBI probe is announced
New Delhi: The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government has accepted a major demand of protesting students by cancelling examinations and recruitment processes linked to alleged irregularities. However, the students have refused to end their agitation, insisting on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that the cancellation would cover examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination.
The government has also ordered an investigation into examinations conducted in the state since 2014. Soren said results and selections linked to Lucknow-based TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL) would be cancelled, while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would examine alleged irregularities.
A committee headed by IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal will recommend reforms to strengthen the examination system and prevent future irregularities.
The decision came as the students’ agitation entered its 24th day. Student leader Ravindra Paswan said the cancellation was an important victory but maintained that the protest would continue until the CBI probe demand was accepted.
Meanwhile, hunger-striking student leader Devendra Nath Mahato was undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. The government’s move also came hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged Soren to engage with the protesting students.
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