NEW DELHI: For the fifth consecutive day, hundreds of students have persisted in their protest in Ranchi, demanding action regarding alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination along with the JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests.
The demonstrators are calling for a CBI investigation into these recruitment examinations, the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test, and significant reforms within the state’s recruitment bodies.
In a display of heightened agitation, the protestors conducted a torchlight procession and have threatened to march to the Jharkhand Assembly if their demands are not adequately addressed by the state government.
Currently holding an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the students marched to Albert Ekka Chowk on Sunday evening. They raised slogans against the ruling JMM-led alliance government, insisting on an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities concerning the JPSC and JSSC examinations.
“We have been holding protests, but no government officials approached us to listen to our concerns on these issues. This clearly shows the insensitivity of this JMM-led alliance government towards the thousands of students and youths of the state,” the protesters alleged.
The protest, which was initiated on July 29, has garnered substantial support from students throughout Jharkhand. Many of these students express that years of preparation for competitive examinations are being jeopardized by incessant allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities.
At the protest site, students chanted slogans including “Order CBI probe in JPSC”, “Long live Students Unity”, and “Shame on Hemant Soren”.
According to JPSC aspirant Rahul Kumar Kranti, “Paper leaks in JPSC have happened several times. This time, OMR sheets of candidates have been leaked. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered a CID probe, but we are not satisfied.”
He further alleged that prior investigations into the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission CGL paper leak have yielded no substantial results, expressing skepticism that the current investigation would be thoroughly conducted.
“We have completely lost faith in the ongoing CID probe. We demand a CBI probe into all recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the past seven years. We also demand the chief minister’s resignation on moral grounds,” Kranti stated.
The protesters are not only seeking the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test, which took place on April 19, but are also advocating for an independent investigation led by central agencies such as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment processes.
For numerous young demonstrators, this protest has transcended a mere examination dispute and evolved into a battle for fairness and opportunity.
“The careers of thousands of students and aspirants are at stake due to corruption in both agencies. Most of us come from farmers’ families. We only want fair opportunities based on merit,” noted Ankit Kumar from Giridih district.
Sneha, a tribal student from Ranchi, shared her desire for those implicated in the alleged irregularities to face strict punishment, as well as the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination.
“I have been preparing for competitive examinations since 2023. But if an equal and fair chance is not given, how can I get a job? I urge CM Soren to listen to our demands,” she emphasized.
Archana Kumari from Palamu declared that the students would persist in their agitation until the government addressed their grievances and ensured accountability for the alleged irregularities.
Despite several days of protest, students have maintained their determination to continue their sit-in. Volunteers and supporters from various parts of the country have been providing essential assistance to help sustain the demonstration.
“The state government is still in a sleeping mode. We are getting support from across the country. People from various cities are sending food items to the protest site. We are thankful to those helping us continue our protest,” remarked Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumath in Latehar district.
