Students React to Sweep of Exam Cancellations, Yet Protest Continues

The cancellation of both the JSSC‑CGL and all TDPL‑run examinations has sent ripples through the student community in Jharkhand. Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s declaration that every activity under TDPL, from recruitment drives to result declarations, is now void, was met with applause from many protesting aspirants in Ranchi. The decision also eliminated the JSSC‑CGL exam, its results and the entire selection protocol.

According to the chief minister, the Special Investigation Team and the CID uncovered a “large network” of irregularities, some dating back to 2014. He instructed the CID to carry out a fully independent investigation covering every exam held since then and signaled an upcoming discussion on potential amendments to the MMDR Act.

While a wave of relief swept through the crowd, student leaders reminded the audience that their campaign is far from over. Piyush Kumar emphasized that the demands of the 11th‑13th batches and a decisive CBI verdict on the broader scandal are still pending. Devendra Nath Mahato, while welcoming the cancellations, warned that the struggle will persist until the entire education and recruitment framework is reformed and robust mechanisms are established to prevent paper leaks.

A group of candidates who had already been appointed under the now‑cancelled exams voiced dissent, claiming they were selected on the basis of high‑court and Supreme Court orders and now face sudden unemployment. They announced plans to challenge the move in court, arguing that the sweeping nullification harms innocent candidates.

The 16‑day hunger strike concluded after the intervention of Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, and MLA Jayaram Mahato, who met the protesters at Sadar Hospital. The student leaders expressed gratitude for the concessions but reiterated that the quest for systemic reforms will continue until a permanent, transparent recruitment system is put in place.