Thousands of JPSC and JSSC aspirants marched toward the Jharkhand State Assembly in Ranchi on Monday to protest alleged recruitment exam irregularities [1].
The demonstration marks a significant escalation in tensions over public sector employment, as students demand the cancellation of exams and a formal investigation into suspected job scams.
Led by Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto, the "Vidhan Sabha Gherao" saw protesters breach police barricades near the old and new assembly buildings [2, 3]. Security forces responded by deploying water cannons, tear gas, and lathicharge to disperse the crowds [1, 4].
Mahto has maintained a high-profile hunger strike to draw attention to the cause, reportedly losing 10.5 kg during the process [2]. The unrest comes amid internal instability within the recruitment bodies, as three JPSC members resigned shortly before the march [5].
Political figures also joined the fray, with Babulal Marandi participating in the movement. Police detained Marandi and several other workers during the clashes [4].
The protesters are calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the mismanagement of the JPSC-JSSC examinations [6]. They said that the current recruitment processes are marred by systemic corruption and irregularities [6].
Local authorities have increased security in Ranchi as the protests continue to disrupt traffic and government operations. The state government has not yet announced a formal response to the demand for a CBI probe.
“Thousands of JPSC and JSSC aspirants marched toward the Jharkhand State Assembly”
The escalation of the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' reflects deep-seated distrust in state-led recruitment processes. By demanding a CBI inquiry rather than a state-level review, the aspirants are signaling that they view the local administration as incapable of impartially investigating the alleged scams. The involvement of political leaders and the resignation of JPSC members suggest a broader institutional crisis that could destabilize state governance if not addressed through transparent reforms.
