Hundreds of students continued their protests in Ranchi on Sunday, the fifth consecutive day, over alleged irregularities related to the conduct of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, as well as JSSC-CGL and other competitive tests. Protesters insist on an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary test, and the need for reforms in the state's personnel selection agencies.
The protest was intensified by a candlelight procession, and demonstrators threatened to march to the Jharkhand Assembly if the state government did not meet their demands. Students are holding an indefinite sit-in strike at the Jai Pil Singh Munda stadium and marched to Albert Ekka Chowk on Sunday evening, chanting slogans against the ruling JMM coalition and demanding an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams.
They warned that if no response was received from the government in the coming days, they would proceed to the Jharkhand Assembly and hold a gherao. Protesters stated that they had not received any official proposals from officials to discuss their issues, which they believe demonstrates the indifference of the ruling JMM coalition towards thousands of students and youth in the state.
The demonstrations began on July 29 and have garnered support from students across Jharkhand, many of whom claim that years of preparation for entrance exams are being undermined by constant allegations of material leaks and malpractice.
At the protest site, students continued to chant slogans such as 'Order CBI to investigate JPSC,' 'Long Live Student Unity,' and 'Shame on Hemant Soren.' JPSC postgraduate Rahul Kumar Kranti noted that material leaks in JPSC have occurred repeatedly, and this time the candidates' OMR sheets were compromised. Although Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered an investigation by the CID, protesters remained dissatisfied.
Kranti stated that previous investigations into JSSC material leaks had not led to any action, and he fears that the latest investigation might also be 'shelved' in a few months. He expressed a complete loss of confidence in the current CID investigation and demanded a CBI investigation into all JPSC and JSSC exams conducted over the last seven years, as well as the resignation of the Prime Minister on moral grounds.
Protesters demand the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary test, held on April 19, and an independent investigation by central agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, into the alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams. Furthermore, they are pushing for the inclusion of a fifth option, 'did not attempt to answer,' in the OMR sheets.
For many young activists, this protest has become a fight for justice and opportunities, rather than just a dispute over exams. Ankit Kumar from Giridih district emphasized that the careers of thousands of students are at risk due to corruption in both agencies, and most of them come from farming families who only desire fair opportunities based on merit.
Sneha, a student from a tribal community in Ranchi, stated that the protesters demand strict punishment for those involved in the alleged irregularities and the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam. She appealed to CM Soren to accept their demands, as she has been preparing for competitive exams since 2023, and it is impossible to get a job without equal chances.
Archana Kumari from Palamu reported that the students will continue their campaign until the government responds to their demands and ensures accountability for the alleged irregularities. Despite the days of protests, the students declared their determination to continue the sit-in strike, receiving support from volunteers and supporters from various parts of the country. Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumatha in Latehar district, thanked those who supported the demonstration, noting that the state government is still in a state of 'sleep.'
