Students protesting in Jharkhand’s capital have temporarily postponed their proposed gherao of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence on August 20, saying they are waiting for an official notification on the decisions announced by the state government on August 17. The students said they would decide their next course of action after the government formally issues the notification implementing the announcements.
Welcoming the government’s decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination and all other examinations conducted by outsourcing agency TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), the protesters thanked the state government and Chief Minister Hemant Soren for what they described as a significant step towards addressing their demands.
However, the students made it clear that their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in the examination system remains unchanged.
“Cancellation of the examinations is an important step, but a fair investigation is necessary to uncover the complete truth behind the alleged irregularities and identify those responsible,” said Prakash Poddar, a member of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch.
The protesters said their movement had therefore not been completely called off. They would continue to press for a CBI investigation until their demand is addressed.
On August 17, the Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination as well as all examinations conducted by TDPL. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren after a special Cabinet meeting at Project Building in Ranchi.
The students have now shifted their focus to the formal government notification. While describing the August 17 announcement as a positive development, they said they would assess the notification before deciding whether to resume their agitation or announce further programmes.
The proposed August 20 gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence has consequently been kept in abeyance for the time being, pending the government’s official notification and further action on their demand for a CBI probe.
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