Jharkhand CM cancels JSSC-CGL exam amid student demand for CBI probe
Hemant Soren announced the cancellation after an emergency cabinet meeting, while protesting students vow to continue their hunger strike until a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry is ordered.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Thursday that the state will scrap the upcoming Jharkhand Subordinate Service Commission‑Combined Graduate Level (JSSC‑CGL) examination. The decision came after an emergency cabinet meeting convened to address escalating unrest among aspirants who have been staging a hunger strike for weeks.
The students, primarily recent graduates awaiting the exam, have been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the recruitment process. Their protest intensified after reports of paper leaks and procedural lapses surfaced earlier this month. In a statement released by the protestors, they said, “Our demand for a CBI investigation remains unfulfilled. Our hunger strike will not end until the CBI inquiry takes place.”
Soren’s office confirmed that the cancellation was intended to provide a “breathing space” for a thorough review of the exam’s conduct. The chief minister emphasized that the move does not preclude the possibility of a fresh examination once the alleged discrepancies are cleared. He also urged the students to remain calm and assured that the state would cooperate with any central agency if a formal request is made.
Despite the cancellation, the student groups declared that they would not call off their agitation until a CBI inquiry is officially ordered. They warned that any further delay could lead to a broader movement, potentially affecting other state recruitment drives. The protest has drawn attention from opposition parties, who have criticized the state government for alleged negligence.
The situation remains fluid as the state government prepares to submit a formal request to the central government for CBI involvement. Meanwhile, the hunger strike continues, with participants rotating shifts to sustain the protest. The outcome of the pending inquiry will likely shape the future of Jharkhand’s recruitment policies and could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in other Indian states.
Original reporting: The Hindu.