Amid students' protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced the cancellation of all examinations conducted since 2014 by the TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL), along with the results published and other activities carried out by the agency.
Addressing a press conference, Soren said the Jharkhand government is concerned about students' stir over exam 'irregularities'. "Addressing all aspects of the issue, 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.He said the decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Monday to bring the matter to a conclusion.
CGL exam scrapped
Soren also announced the cancellation of the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). "Today, the Cabinet decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examinations as well. Furthermore, a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into all errors—minor or major—that have occurred since 2014," he said.
He said the government would also examine amendments made to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act by the Centre and, if required, convene a special Assembly session to discuss the issue. "We will also soon convene to discuss the amendments made to the MMDR Act by the Central Government; if necessary, we may even call a special session to deliberate on this specific issue," he said.
Soren said investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had uncovered several serious findings. He said details could not be disclosed while the investigation was underway. "The investigations being conducted by both the SIT and the CID have brought to light several shocking facts. Since the investigation is ongoing, it is not possible to disclose every detail openly; however, it has been observed that individuals appointed through the CGL process are now being arrested on charges related to irregularities in the JPSC examinations. Furthermore, there appears to be a complex, interconnected network involving various companies that have operated here at different times," the CM said.
He also said the investigation had pointed to a complex network involving several companies that had operated in Jharkhand at different points in time. "The scope of the investigation covers all examinations held from 2014 to the present. We have instructed the concerned department and the CID that, since the investigation has been initiated, it must be carried out thoroughly," Soren said.
Committee to recommend recruitment exam reforms
The Chief Minister said the government would constitute a committee headed by IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to recommend reforms in the examination and recruitment system.
Soren said standard operating procedures (SOPs) already exist regarding the conduct of examinations and stressed that strict adherence to them could have prevented irregularities.
"The government will work with transparency in the reforms. There is already an SOP for how the exams should be conducted. If the SOPs had been followed, these irregularities would not have occurred. Some more important elements will be added to that reform. A decision has been made to form a committee headed by an IAS officer for the reforms," he added.