Thousands of job aspirants gathered in Ranchi on Monday, August 10, and marched towards the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, escalating their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The agitation has entered its 17th day, with protesters continuing to demand stronger action from the state government despite several steps already announced, including exam cancellations, resignations of JPSC members and government-ordered investigations.
What Are the Protesters Demanding?
The main demands of the protesting aspirants include:
- Cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination
- A CBI investigation into alleged examination irregularities
- Action against those responsible for alleged recruitment violations
- Reforms to the recruitment and examination system
- Greater transparency in future government recruitment examinations.
Student leaders have argued that the government’s response has not fully addressed their concerns, particularly their demand for a CBI probe into the JSSC-CGL examination.
Government Cancels 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination
The protest intensified despite the Jharkhand government’s decision to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination and accept the resignations of three JPSC members.
The government has also ordered investigations into the alleged irregularities. However, protesters have maintained that these measures are insufficient without a CBI investigation, particularly into the JSSC-CGL issue.
Former JPSC Chairman Arrested
The controversy took another significant turn on Monday when the Jharkhand CID arrested former JPSC chairman L Khiangte.
Khiangte had resigned from his position on July 22. His arrest came as thousands of aspirants were demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examinations.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also entered the matter, registering an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to examine alleged financial aspects connected with irregularities in JPSC examinations.
Police Use Water Cannons and Tear Gas
Tensions increased near the Assembly as protesters attempted to move through heavy barricading.
Police used water cannons, followed by lathi charges and tear gas, after protesters attempted to breach barricades on the route to the Assembly. Some protesters reported injuries during the police action.
Security forces had deployed razor-wire fencing and extensive barricading around the Assembly area. Prohibitory orders were also imposed within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly premises.
Devendra Nath Mahto Joins the Protest
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on a hunger strike for nine days, joined the Vidhan Sabha gherao march in an ambulance.
He called on the government to listen to the students’ demands and urged authorities to avoid excessive police action that could lead to injuries or further escalation.
Political Reactions
The student agitation has also triggered a political confrontation in Jharkhand.
BJP leaders have backed the students’ demand for stronger action and a CBI investigation, while leaders from the ruling alliance have argued that a large portion of the protesters’ demands has already been addressed.
Several BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, were detained while protesting separately over the issue, adding another political dimension to the student agitation.
Students Insist Protest Will Continue
Despite the government’s recent decisions, student leaders say their agitation will continue until their key demands are accepted.
The central point of contention remains the JSSC-CGL examination and the demand for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities. The government, meanwhile, has pursued other investigative mechanisms, including CID and ED probes.
What Happens Next?
The Jharkhand student protest is likely to remain a major political and administrative issue as the government faces growing pressure to resolve the recruitment examination controversy.
With thousands of aspirants demanding transparency and accountability, the next focus will be on the ongoing investigations, the government’s response to the CBI demand and whether further negotiations can prevent the agitation from escalating.
