Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam; Mahto ends 16-day hunger strike
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren canceled the JSSC-CGL exam and all TDPL-conducted tests since 2014, prompting hunger-strike end by Devendra Mahto. The move also set up a reform committee and an inquiry into irregularities.
Key takeaways
- The Jharkhand government canceled the JSSC-CGL exam and all TDPL-conducted recruitment tests since 2014.
- Devendra Mahto ended a 16-day hunger strike after the cancellation announcement, with ministers present.
- A reform committee led by Amitabh Kaushal will study examination governance and transparency, while a broader inquiry into irregularities is planned.
What Happened
The Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination and all recruitment tests conducted by the outsourced agency TDPL since 2014. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren after a Cabinet meeting at the state secretariat. Activist Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on a hunger strike for 16 days, ended his fast in Ranchi in the presence of ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari. A committee to reform examination conduct was also announced, to be chaired by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal. The government signaled further steps, including a comprehensive inquiry into irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted since 2014. The protests had been led by groups demanding action and transparency in the examination process.
The Hindu report notes that ministers served juice to Mahto after the announcement, and that the agitation would continue until a CBI probe into alleged irregularities is met. CID raids and investigations into JSSC irregularities were ongoing, with actions including searches at the JSSC office, questioning of the JSSC Secretary, and related arrests and custody in other related cases.
Why It Matters
Officials frame the cancellation as a response to concerns about irregularities in recruitment testing and as part of a broader drive toward transparency and accountability in Jharkhand’s examination processes. The formation of a reform committee and a possible special Assembly session to discuss related legislation indicate that the government aims to overhaul the recruitment framework and address protest demands beyond the immediate cancellation.
Analysts note that the move aligns with sustained protest pressure and signals a shift toward oversight in outsourced examinations. The inquiry and potential CBI involvement, alongside a reform blueprint, may influence how future exams are conducted and how agencies engaged in testing are regulated.
Background
Protests began over irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in Jharkhand, with demonstrators demanding accountability and a probe into alleged irregularities. TDPL, an outsourced agency, has conducted several examinations since 2014, including the JSSC-CGL. The government announced a committee to propose reforms, and a CBI probe remained a stated objective of protest leaders.
Key Facts
- Aug 17–18, 2026: Jharkhand government cancels JSSC-CGL exam and all TDPL-conducted exams since 2014.
- Devendra Nath Mahto ended a 16-day hunger strike in Ranchi after the cancellation announcement.
- Ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari were present when Mahto ended his fast.
- Amitabh Kaushal was named to head the examination reforms committee.
- The government said it would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into irregularities in examinations since 2014.
- CID conducted raids/searches related to the JSSC irregularities and made related arrests and questioning.
What Happens Next
The government indicated a broader examination reforms process and a potential Assembly discussion on related bills, including proposals connected to the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill. A formal inquiry into irregularities is expected to continue, and the fate of future recruitment processes may hinge on the reform committee’s recommendations and any further probe outcomes.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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