Public service aspirants in Ranchi began a march toward the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on Monday to demand a CBI inquiry into exam irregularities [1], [2].
The protests highlight growing frustration among students over alleged scams in the JSSC and JPSC exams. The unrest follows failed talks with the government regarding the cancellation of exams and the demand for a high-level investigation [2], [5].
Students assembled at 10 a.m. and began their march from the old Legislative Assembly in Jagannathpur at 11 a.m. [1], [3]. Organizers said the protest would be peaceful [3], but the situation turned tense as students attempted to breach police barricades [4].
Police responded to the march using water cannons, lathi charges, and tear gas [1], [4]. Protesters reported that security forces fired tear gas specifically at Gate No. 1 of the assembly [1].
"We were sitting outside the Legislative Assembly, waiting for the government (officials or leaders) to come and provide a response, but there was no sign of the government," said Shivam, a protester who was injured during the clash [4].
The unrest comes amid significant leadership changes within the examination bodies. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar recently accepted the resignations of three JPSC members [2], [5].
Student leader Devendra Mahto was among those leading the aspirants in the march toward the state Assembly [1], [2]. The protesters said that only a central agency probe can ensure transparency in the recruitment process [2].
“Police responded to the march using water cannons, lathi charges, and tear gas.”
The escalation of student protests in Ranchi suggests a breakdown in trust between the youth and the state's recruitment machinery. The resignation of three JPSC members indicates internal instability or an admission of failure within the commission, while the demand for a CBI probe reflects a belief that state-level investigations are insufficient to address systemic corruption in public service exams.
