Hundreds of student protesters surrounded the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi on Monday to demand a federal investigation into recruitment exams [1].
The demonstration highlights growing frustration over alleged corruption in the state's civil service hiring processes, which students say undermine meritocracy and fair employment.
Protesters demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities involving the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Subordinate Service Commission (JSSC) [1]. The group succeeded in gheraoing, or surrounding, the legislative assembly despite a crackdown by police forces [1, 2].
Law enforcement deployed water cannons to disperse the crowds as students attempted to reach the assembly building [1, 2]. Despite these measures, the protesters continued their march toward the site.
Student leader Devendra Mahto joined the march in an ambulance after undertaking a fast for nine days [2]. Mahto said he was concerned regarding the safety of the protesters during the confrontation with police.
"No 'mishap' should happen there like Jantar Mantar," Mahto said [2].
The protests come amid ongoing disputes over the integrity of the JPSC and JSSC examinations, which are critical for securing government employment in the region [1]. Students have repeatedly called for transparency, and a high-level probe to address the suspected irregularities [1].
“Students surrounded the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi on Monday to demand a federal investigation.”
The escalation to a physical blockade of the Vidhan Sabha indicates that student groups no longer trust state-level oversight of recruitment exams. By demanding a CBI probe, the protesters are calling for the removal of the investigation from state jurisdiction to a federal agency to ensure impartiality in the face of alleged systemic corruption.
