16 Days Of Student Protest Pay Off? Jharkhand govt ready to cancel JPSC exam, CBI probe still in deadlock
After 16 days of protests, the Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the JPSC PT exam, but students' biggest demand a CBI probe into alleged irregularities remains unresolved.
New Delhi: The long-running protest by students over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination has reached a crucial stage, with the state government agreeing to cancel the JPSC Preliminary Test (PT), according to sources.
The decision comes after a 16-day-long student agitation, during which protesters demanded cancellation of the examination, a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities and major reforms in the recruitment process.
While the government has accepted several demands of the protesting students, the issue of a CBI probe remains a major point of disagreement between both sides.
According to sources, the Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the JPSC PT examination conducted on April 19.
The government has also indicated that it is ready for investigations by agencies including the CID and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into allegations related to previous recruitment examinations. Officials have reportedly assured students that a chargesheet in the matter will be filed within 90 days.
However, the government has not agreed to the demand that all examinations cleared by accused candidate Abhay Tiwari should be cancelled. Tiwari has been accused in connection with the alleged irregularities and reportedly cleared multiple competitive examinations over the years.
CBI Investigation Demand Still Pending
The biggest unresolved issue remains the students’ demand for a CBI inquiry into the alleged exam irregularities. Student groups have maintained that only an independent central agency investigation can ensure transparency and restore confidence among aspirants.
The government, meanwhile, has proposed investigations through state agencies and has not accepted the CBI demand so far.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said students protesting against the alleged irregularities would get justice and those found responsible would face strict action.
Addressing a public gathering, Soren said the government had already taken steps to expose wrongdoing and assured that the matter would be handled with transparency. He also accused opposition parties of attempting to mislead young people by mixing facts with political narratives.
The protests have continued across Jharkhand, with students demanding accountability and reforms in the recruitment system. The CID has also summoned three sitting JPSC members as part of its investigation into the allegations.
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