Jharkhand Students’ Protest Enters Day 20 As Exam Row Remains Unresolved

The protest by students over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations entered its 20th day on Thursday, with demonstrators continuing their agitation at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium despite several government measures and rounds of talks.

The protesters under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch continued to demand greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.

The agitation intensified this week after protesters marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly clashed with police. Security personnel used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse them. The police action was followed by a statewide bandh called by the BJP.

The government has since announced the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and two other examinations, but students have maintained that the steps do not address all their demands.

The controversy has also taken a new turn with the arrest of former JPSC chairman L Khiangte by the Jharkhand CID over alleged examination irregularities. The three other members of the commission have also resigned, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the recruitment body.

Meanwhile, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike, remains under medical treatment after his health deteriorated during the Assembly march. On Wednesday, he wrote to the Ranchi civil surgeon seeking permission to return to the protest site, saying he remained committed to the students’ movement. Four other students on hunger strike are also undergoing treatment.

A case has also been registered against around 600 people in connection with the Assembly march.

Six rounds of talks between the government and student representatives have failed to break the deadlock. Former chief minister Raghubar Das has meanwhile threatened to begin a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe is not accepted within a week.

With the protest entering its third week, students have shown no signs of backing down, leaving the government under continued pressure to find a resolution.