17 August,2026 10:44 PM IST | Ranchi | mid-day online correspondent
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren addresses the media on Monday. PIC/X
Amid an ongoing protest by job aspirants over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, Jharkhand Chief Minister (CM) Hemant Soren on Monday announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all examinations conducted by the outsourced agency TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL).
The decision was taken at a marathon meeting of the state Cabinet chaired by Soren. The agitation in Ranchi entered its 24th day on Monday, with six protesters continuing their hunger strike.
"The government has decided to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) exam, which was one of the major demands of the protesting students. We have also decided to cancel all tests conducted by outsourced agency TDPL (TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd) and the results published by it," Soren said after the Cabinet meeting.
Soren later said the government had decided to cancel everything associated with TDPL, including the examinations conducted, results published, candidates selected or who participated, and other activities carried out by the agency.
He also announced the formation of an examination reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal.
Soren said a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted into alleged irregularities in all examinations held since 2014.
"A comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into all errors--minor or major--that have occurred since 2014. We will also soon convene to discuss the amendments made to the MMDR Act by the Central Government; if necessary, we may even call a special session to deliberate on this specific issue," he stated.
The CM also said that investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had brought to light "several shocking facts".
"Since the investigation is ongoing, it is not possible to disclose every detail openly; however, it has been observed that individuals appointed through the CGL process are now being arrested on charges related to irregularities in the JPSC examinations. Furthermore, there appears to be a complex, interconnected network involving various companies that have operated here at different times," he stated.
According to Soren, the scope of the investigation would cover all examinations held from 2014 to the present.
"We have instructed the concerned department and the CID; since the investigation has been initiated, it must be carried out thoroughly," he said.
Soren said the government would ensure complete transparency in reforms related to examinations and address concerns raised by protesting students.
"I do not consider these young people to be different groups. They are all concerned about their future. The government will move ahead with complete transparency on reforms. There is already an SOP for conducting examinations, and if it had been followed, these irregularities would not have occurred. Nevertheless, further improvements will be made based on suggestions received. A portal has also been opened for students, teachers and parents to submit suggestions, which will be shared with experts," he stated.
The cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination was one of the major demands of the protesting students, who have been seeking reforms in the examination system and action over alleged irregularities.
The students have also been demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
