Jharkhand Cancels JSSC-CGL Exam After 24-Day Stir

New Delhi: The Jharkhand government on Monday moved to cancel the controversial JSSC Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination following a 24-day agitation by students and job aspirants over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The decision came as the government held a fresh round of talks with representatives of the protesters, who have been demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a CBI probe into alleged irregularities. Six protesters continued their hunger strike as the agitation entered its 24th day.

The state government also cancelled examinations conducted on behalf of TDPL and their results, while announcing measures to strengthen standard operating procedures and transparency in future recruitment examinations.

Earlier on Monday, the Criminal Investigation Department conducted raids at the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission office in Ranchi in connection with alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations. CID ADG Manoj Kaushik confirmed the searches.

The fresh negotiations were the seventh round of talks between the government and protesters, with the previous six rounds failing to break the deadlock. The agitation is being spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also wrote to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday, urging him to personally meet representatives of the protesting students to help resolve their remaining concerns. Gandhi said the students' demands were legitimate and their protest had remained peaceful.

The protesters had earlier announced plans to gherao the Chief Minister's residence on August 20 if their demands were not addressed.