The Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) preliminary exam and related backlog exams from 2023 and 2025 after six hours of discussions with protesting students. However, the students remain firm on their demand for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the JSSC-CGL exam and plan to continue their agitation.
The government accepted most demands, including the exam cancellations, but stated it lacks jurisdiction over the JSSC-CGL exams as they were conducted per high court and Supreme Court orders. A technical and higher education minister said the government has agreed to 98% of the students’ demands but cannot recommend a CBI probe.
Meanwhile, three JPSC members resigned, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured protesters that justice would be served with full transparency. The government also announced the formation of an expert panel from prestigious institutions like IIT-ISM Dhanbad and IIM Ranchi to reform the examination system.
However, student leaders remain dissatisfied, insisting on exam cancellation before any investigation. They plan to march to the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday. Protesters continue to join the agitation, with five aspirants still on an indefinite hunger strike.