Hemant Soren Cancels JSSC-CGL Exam, Scraps All TDPL-Linked Recruitment Activity in Jharkhand

The axe has finally fallen on Jharkhand’s controversy-ridden recruitment process.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examinations and ordered the state government to scrap every recruitment-related activity involving TSR Data Processing Private Limited, or TDPL.

The decision covers examinations conducted by the company, results declared, candidates selected and other associated processes, Soren told reporters at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Stadium after a Cabinet meeting.

The announcement delivers a major victory to students who have protested for 24 days against alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission.

Soren also ordered a comprehensive investigation into recruitment examinations conducted in the state since 2014.

“A comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into all errors, minor or major, that have occurred since 2014,” he said.

The chief minister claimed that parallel investigations by a Special Investigation Team and the Crime Investigation Department had uncovered “several shocking facts”. He declined to reveal details, citing the continuing probe.

According to Soren, individuals appointed through the Combined Graduate Level recruitment process have subsequently been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations.

He also pointed to what appeared to be an interconnected network of companies that had handled recruitment-related work in Jharkhand at different points.

“We have decided to cancel everything associated with TDPL, including the examinations conducted, the results published, the candidates selected or who participated, and all other activities carried out by TDPL,” Soren said.

The government has directed the departments concerned and the CID to widen the investigation to cover all relevant examinations held between 2014 and 2026.

“The investigation has been initiated, and it must be carried out thoroughly,” the chief minister said.

Soren acknowledged the anger among aspirants and promised greater transparency while rebuilding the examination system. He said an existing standard operating procedure for conducting examinations had not been properly followed and indicated that the framework would now be tightened.

A government portal has also been opened for students, teachers and parents to submit recommendations. Their suggestions will be placed before experts working on examination reforms.

“These young people are all concerned about their future. The government will move ahead with complete transparency,” Soren said.

The chief minister also indicated that the state government would examine amendments made by the Centre to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. A special session of the Jharkhand Assembly could be called if the government decides the issue requires wider deliberation.

For thousands of job aspirants, however, Monday’s defining decision was the cancellation they had taken to Ranchi’s streets to demand: the JSSC-CGL examination will have to be conducted afresh.

(With inputs from ANI)