Jharkhand Government Cancels Dozens of Recruitment Exams Following Student Protests

The Jharkhand government has cancelled at least 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) following weeks of student protests over alleged irregularities. The decision followed a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The cancelled tests include recruitment for civil judges, assistant public prosecutors, drug inspectors, assistant professors, and forest range officers, among others. Some reports specify that 22 exams were cancelled based on findings from a Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe, while others were postponed or brought under investigation.

As a result of these cancellations, over 2,600 individuals who had already joined government service may lose their jobs, with many currently in the probationary stage. In response to the unrest, the government has requested the high court to constitute a fast track court for cases related to the irregularities. Additionally, a committee led by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal has been formed to recommend reforms for the JPSC and JSSC within two months.

Despite the government's actions, unrest persists. While some protesters have called off their demonstrations, others, including those who had already been appointed to positions, have gathered at the state secretariat to question the decision. Many protesters are now demanding a central probe or a CBI investigation into the matter rather than simple cancellations.