Jharkhand government ready to cancel JPSC PT exam after 16-day student protest

New Delhi: The Jharkhand government is ready to cancel the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) preliminary examination after students protested for 16 days over alleged irregularities, sources said.

The state government is also prepared to order investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into backlog papers linked to alleged wrongdoing.

Most demands accepted

Sources said the government had accepted most of the demands raised by the protesters. However, the students continue to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, which remains a point of disagreement.

The government is also unwilling to cancel every examination taken by Abhay Tiwari, an accused in the alleged irregularities. Tiwari reportedly cleared 12 examinations over the past 13 years.

Officials have communicated the government’s position to the main student group. The government has also assured protesters that investigators will file a chargesheet within 90 days.

Students demand CBI probe

Students have demanded the cancellation of the JPSC examination held on April 19. They have also sought a CBI investigation and reforms in the examination process.

Meanwhile, a CID team has summoned three serving JPSC members for questioning in connection with the alleged irregularities.

Soren promises justice

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the protesting students “will get justice”, while those responsible would face “severe punishment”.

“Our youth are staging protests and agitations to claim their rights. It is precisely because of our government’s actions that they have found the courage to step forward, protest, and demand their due, for we have exposed the wrongdoing. The youth will receive justice, and those responsible for the irregularities will face the severest possible punishment… There is no need to view this matter through a political lens or to seek political patronage,” Soren said at a public rally.

Opposition faces criticism

The chief minister accused opposition parties of “misleading” young people by “mixing truth with falsehood.” Soren said political parties should not exploit the students’ concerns for their own interests. He also called for dialogue to resolve disputes.

“The solution to every issue lies in dialogue, not in the use of batons or bullets,” the chief minister said. He assured students that the government would address their concerns transparently and visibly demonstrate that justice had been delivered.