Jharkhand cancels exams, ends student leader's 16-day hunger strike

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has ended a 16-day hunger strike in Ranchi after the Jharkhand government agreed to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitment tests managed by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL).

The decision came after a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The government also mandated a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations held in Jharkhand since 2014. Mahto ended his fast in the presence of state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari.

“

Today marks a huge victory for Jharkhand. While I am now suspending my protest, my struggle for reform will continue.

Mahto expressed gratitude to Soren, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the ministers, fellow students, and the media for their support. He declared the cancellation a significant victory for Jharkhand but vowed to continue his advocacy for reforms to prevent examination malpractices. "Every examination must be monitored, every examination must be audited, and there must be a clear certificate for every examination and at every stage. We will continue to struggle for this," Mahto stated.

“

Every examination must be monitored, every examination must be audited, and there must be a clear certificate for every examination and at every stage. We will continue to struggle for this.

He acknowledged the government's decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam as particularly crucial, given that the process had advanced to the joining stage. Mahto also commended the CID investigation for its thoroughness, noting that it has not spared senior officials or former office-bearers. The CID probe was initiated following a meeting with the Chief Minister on July 20, with the investigation commencing on July 28.

Chief Minister Soren announced the cancellation, citing "startling revelations" from ongoing CID and SIT probes. He directed the CID to scrutinize all recruitment examinations in the state since 2014. Additionally, the government established an examination reforms committee, led by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal, to address systemic issues.

“

There have been some startling revelations in the ongoing CID and SIT probes. After much deliberation in the cabinet, it has been decided to cancel the JSSC CGL. All other exams conducted by TDPL will also be cancelled.