What is the story about?
Ranchi: The protest against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff
Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 14th day on Friday, with six protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strike and student organisations planning a march to the Jharkhand Assembly. The agitation, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has emerged as one of the largest student-led movements in the state in recent years. While the state government has offered talks, students say they are yet to receive a formal invitation, leaving the deadlock unresolved.
What Are the Students Demanding?
The protesters say their movement is aimed at ensuring a transparent and corruption-free recruitment process in Jharkhand. Their key demands include:
- Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, alleging large-scale irregularities.
- An independent investigation into the recruitment process, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand.
- Structural reforms in JPSC and JSSC to ensure fair and transparent recruitment in future examinations.
- Action against those responsible for alleged irregularities and greater accountability in the recruitment system.
The students have repeatedly stated that their protest is not directed at any individual but is focused on restoring trust in the state's recruitment process.
Why Are Students on Hunger Strike?
Six protesters, including Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, are currently on an indefinite hunger strike.
Mahto, who had refused food for several days, agreed to consume water after social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day hunger strike in Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue, spoke to him over the phone and urged him to stay hydrated.
Student leader Rahul Kranti, who is also on hunger strike, said, "The biggest damage caused by the alleged irregularities in the recruitment tests is the 'loss of trust in the system'."
Another protester, Sabita Kumari, alleged, "The government had 'ignored' students' concerns and 'are snatching our rights and selling our jobs like vegetables'."
Rahul Kranti also claimed that despite requesting medical assistance, no doctors had reached the protest site by Thursday morning.
What Has the Government Said?
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said that question paper leaks are a national problem and maintained that his government is open to dialogue.
Following his remarks, the protesters constituted an 11-member delegation, comprising eight students, two experts and one advocate, to hold talks with the government.
An office bearer of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said, "We have formed an 11-member delegation, comprising eight students, two experts and an advocate, in response to the government's offer to hold talks in connection with the stir."
According to officials, a five-member ministerial panel, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is expected to interact with the protesters.
However, after meeting the students late on Thursday night, Ranchi Sub-Divisional Officer Kumar Rajat told reporters, "We came here to have a conversation with our younger brothers and to see how they are doing."
When asked whether any formal discussion had taken place with the students' delegation, he replied, "No."
Student leader Ravindra Paswan later said, "The SDO assured us that we should be positive, as the government will talk to us. But he has not given any time."
Assembly March and Political Reactions
Student organisations, including the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the All India Students' Federation (AISF), have announced a Vidhan Sabha March during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
The administration has imposed prohibitory orders within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly from August 6 to August 12, between 6 am and 10 pm, ahead of the proposed protest.
The issue has also triggered political sparring.
Opposition MLAs raised slogans inside the Assembly demanding a CBI probe into the alleged recruitment scam, while BJP leaders accused the government of failing the state's youth.
A student leader also claimed he had spoken to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who assured support and promised to raise the issue with the Jharkhand government. The BJP, however, dismissed the interaction as a "political gimmick."
What Is the Status of the Investigation?
The Jharkhand CID has intensified its probe into the alleged recruitment scam.
According to officials, 19 people have been arrested so far, while former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has been questioned multiple times since July 28 as part of the ongoing investigation.
With the Assembly in session, students are preparing to intensify their agitation through the proposed Assembly march while continuing the hunger strike.
Although the government has expressed willingness to engage in talks, protesters insist they will continue their movement until concrete action is taken on their demands, particularly the cancellation of the recruitment examination, an independent investigation, and structural reforms in JPSC and JSSC.
