26 days in, Jharkhand protests called off after Soren government buckles

In Jharkhand, protests over alleged irregularities in competitive exams ended after 26 days on Wednesday. Both factions of the movement officially called off their agitation following the state government's decision to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC CGL) examination and meet other demands.

Chandan Rajak, spokesperson for the JPSC JSSC Abhyarthi Nyay Manch, announced the end of the protest, stating that their main demands had been fulfilled. The recruitment process for around 3,120 Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) positions was conducted via computer-based tests between August 18 and September 8, 2023. The alleged irregularities in the examination raised concerns about the involvement of a private agency and an individual associated with the tests.

However, the PGT protesters plan to continue their agitation separately over these issues. The second faction, the JPSC JSSC Reform Manch, also announced the end of its protest, with hunger strikers ending their fasts. The student agitation in Ranchi began on July 25, seeking action over irregularities in various JPSC and JSSC examinations.

The state government's cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination, along with inquiries and investigations, was a key demand from the protesters. Meanwhile, government employees who passed the JSSC CGL exam are opposing the cancellation and fear its impact on their appointments.