Jharkhand CGL exam cancelled, but why are selected candidates protesting now?

The Jharkhand government’s decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination has brought relief and celebration among a section of protesting aspirants, but the move has opened a new front of protest among candidates who had already cleared the examination and joined government posts.

Candidates who were recruited through the JSSC-CGL examination and had served in their respective posts for months staged a sit-in protest at Project Bhawan, seeking clarity over what the cancellation means for their appointments and demanding justice. Security was tightened at the Project Building as the candidates gathered to oppose the government’s decision.

One of the protesting appointed candidates said the decision had left him without clarity about his livelihood and appealed to the government to reconsider the cancellation.

“Following the government's decision, I am left on the streets. I would like to tell my mother and father—please, have patience. We will win again,” he said, adding that he would continue fighting for his rights.

The candidate also questioned the decision in light of a court order, saying that the government’s move amounted to a defeat for justice.

What did the protesting students demand?

The JSSC-CGL cancellation followed a 23-day student agitation over demands linked to the recruitment examination process. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto had been on hunger strike, which ended after Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and examinations conducted on behalf of TDPL.

The announcement was welcomed by the protesting students. Student protester Rajesh Prasad said their 23-day struggle had reached a successful conclusion and credited the Chief Minister with responding to the voice of young people.

According to Prasad, the government agreed to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and other examinations, including the CDPO and FSO exams, conducted by TDPL. He also said an inquiry had been ordered and expressed confidence that it would be impartial.

The student agitation also sought stronger safeguards against paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment examinations. Mahto, while ending his hunger strike, called for reforms to ensure that examinations are monitored and audited at every stage.

He said the aim of the continued struggle would be to push for a recruitment system in which examination processes are properly monitored and paper leaks and irregularities are prevented.

Not all demands were resolved

While the government’s decision addressed the central demand of cancelling the examinations, student leader Umme Habiba said several other issues remained to be addressed.

She sought withdrawal of legal action, including FIRs or proposed measures against students involved in the protests, and called for the right to peaceful and democratic protest to be protected.

Habiba also demanded the reinstatement of Santosh Mastana by revoking his suspension and sought action in CID Case No. 025 to expedite its closure or withdrawal in accordance with the rules.

She appealed to the Chief Minister to take a time-bound decision on these issues.

Meanwhile, Minister Irfan Ansari said the agitation had formally ended after Mahto, Habiba and Rahul Kranti voluntarily ended their hunger strike. He said the three protesters underwent medical examinations and were found to be healthy.

The government’s announcement marked a major development for the students who had been demanding action over the recruitment examination process. But for those who had already cleared the JSSC-CGL examination, received appointments and spent months working in government posts, the cancellation has created a new question: what happens to their appointments now.

With agency inputs