Thousands of student job-aspirants marched toward the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on Monday to demand a CBI probe into alleged recruitment exam irregularities [1, 2].
The protests signal a deepening crisis of trust in the state's civil service examinations, where allegations of paper leaks have left thousands of candidates fearing for their professional futures.
Monday marked the 17th day of the ongoing agitation in Ranchi [1]. Protesters targeted the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), calling for the cancellation of exams tainted by suspected leaks [2, 3]. During the march, students breached police barricades to reach the state assembly [3].
Police responded to the breach with force. Reports on the methods used vary, with some sources stating police fired tear gas [2], while others reported the use of water cannons and lathi charges against the students [3].
The movement has been highlighted by the hunger strike of leader Devendra Nath Mahto (JLKM). Mahto has fasted for nine days [4] and has lost 10.5 kg during this period [4].
Government officials have attempted to quell the unrest by addressing the protesters' grievances. Some reports indicate that 98% of the students' demands have been accepted by the government [3]. Additionally, authorities have taken legal action against officials, including the arrest of former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte [3].
Despite these concessions, the march to the Vidhan Sabha suggests that the aspirants remain unsatisfied with the pace or nature of the reforms. The students continue to push for a high-level federal investigation to ensure transparency in the recruitment process [1, 2].
“Thousands of student job-aspirants marched toward the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on Monday.”
The escalation of protests in Ranchi reflects a systemic failure in the administration of public service exams in Jharkhand. While the arrest of a former JPSC chairman and the acceptance of most demands suggest a government attempt at damage control, the demand for a CBI probe indicates that the public no longer trusts state-level investigations to be impartial.
