Ranchi Protest Escalates: 5 More Aspirants Join Hunger Strike, Pressure Mounts on Hemant Soren Govt

The protest by Jharkhand job aspirants over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations has intensified, with five more protesters, including two women, beginning an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi. The move has increased pressure on the Hemant Soren government ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly, scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The new hunger strike began on Tuesday night at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have been protesting for the past several days. With the latest addition, the number of people on hunger strike has risen to six.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha member Devendra Nath Mahto continued his hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day at the same location.

The protesting aspirants have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, structural reforms in the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), and an independent investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities.

The protesters have also demanded a probe by the CBI or an inquiry panel comprising retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand to ensure a fair investigation.

JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar said five new protesters, including two women, joined the hunger strike to press for their demands. He added that a core committee meeting would soon decide on taking out a ‘Tiranga March’ in support of the students’ movement.

Hunger striker Sabita Kumari said the protesters were compelled to take such a step as their repeated appeals had not resulted in action from the government.

Another protester, Habiba, appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, saying that the government must understand the struggles of young job seekers. She said the protesters wanted concrete steps and justice rather than assurances.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday said his government was taking the concerns of the aspirants seriously and that decisions would be announced after a detailed examination of their demands.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities is underway. The Jharkhand Police CID has arrested 14 people so far and questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte four times since July 28.

The CID has also conducted raids at 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad as part of its probe.

Earlier, the JPSC postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, scheduled from July 25 to 27, citing “unavoidable circumstances” amid mounting protests.