Students intensify protests over Jharkhand recruitment exam irregularities

Ranchi: The ongoing protests by students over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams have intensified, with thousands set to march towards the state assembly on Monday. The students, who have been agitating for 17 days, are demanding the cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam, a thorough investigation into alleged paper leaks, and reforms in the recruitment process. They have vowed to continue their protests until their key demands are addressed.

In anticipation of the march, security has been tightened across Ranchi, particularly around the assembly area, where barricades have been set up and a large police presence deployed. The administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in the vicinity to prevent any untoward incidents.

On Sunday, student representatives held their sixth round of talks with the government, but key issues remained unresolved. While officials reportedly agreed to around 90% of the students’ demands related to reforms, they did not concede to the cancellation of the JSSC CGL exam or the demand for a CBI investigation. The students allege widespread irregularities in recruitment exams conducted by TDPL, the agency responsible for organizing these tests, and insist that only an independent probe can ensure justice.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been on a hunger strike for several days, urged protesters to maintain peace during the assembly march. He appealed to participants to avoid confrontations with police and refrain from bringing political or religious flags to the demonstration, emphasizing the use of the national flag instead.

Students from across Jharkhand have been arriving in Ranchi to join the march, which will proceed from the old assembly building to the new one. With tensions running high, the government faces mounting pressure to resolve the crisis. The outcome of Monday’s march could determine whether the standoff eases or escalates further.