In a major development, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that the state government is ready to cancel the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Preliminary Examination, along with the backlog examinations conducted in 2023 and 2025. This decision directly addresses key demands of the student community, who have been staging widespread demonstrations across the state for several weeks. Alongside the exam cancellations, Soren ordered a high-level investigation into all competitive examinations administered by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL). He pointed out that TDPL, an agency based in Uttar Pradesh with ties to Bihar, was allowed to compromise the academic futures of Jharkhand’s youth.
Political Clash Over Student Agitation
Addressing the Legislative Assembly amid intense sloganeering and opposition protests, Chief Minister Soren targeted opposition leaders, accusing them of attempting to derive political mileage from the student movement. Taking a sharp swipe at his political rivals, Soren characterized opposition figures as “parasites” who survive merely by feeding on political unrest and exploiting public discontent. While reassuring citizens that his administration remains fully committed to administrative transparency, the Assembly proceedings quickly escalated into a fiery political showdown between the treasury and opposition benches.
Student Protests Continue in Ranchi
Despite the government’s assurances, the student agitation in Ranchi entered its 18th day. The demonstrations show no signs of abating, even following heavy police intervention and a lathi charge during a march toward the Assembly. Protesting students gathered once again at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, declaring their resolve to continue the movement until all outstanding issues are addressed. Key demands regarding the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and an independent central probe by the CBI into recruitment irregularities remain unresolved. It remains to be seen whether the government’s latest announcements will suffice to diffuse tension in the state.
Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
