Jharkhand scraps JSSC-CGL exam and all TDPL tests since 2014

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitment tests conducted by outsourced agency TDPL since 2014, bowing to 24 days of protests by job aspirants who alleged widespread irregularities. Soren announced the decision after a cabinet meeting and also set up an examination reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal.

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, which led the agitation, said it would continue until the government agrees to a CBI probe, a demand the protesters have maintained throughout. Six aspirants remain on hunger strike. Soren said the CID and a special investigation team had found "several surprising factors" and alleged a "huge exam racket" involving companies in the state.

The cancellation has triggered a counter-protest by about 2,000 candidates who cleared the exam and secured jobs, fearing they will lose their positions. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi backed the CBI probe demand. Meanwhile, CID raids were underway at the JSSC office on Monday, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged Soren to personally meet the protesters. A seventh round of talks between the government and student leaders is pending.