Jharkhand Students Intensify Protest, Warn of Assembly March Amid Recruitment Exam Controversy

Ranchi: The protest by students against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 11th day on Tuesday, with demonstrators threatening to march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on August 6 if their demands are not addressed.

The agitation, being held at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, has gained momentum as student leader Devendra Nath Mahto continues his indefinite hunger strike, which entered its third day.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and a thorough probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, including the JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations. They have also sought the release of OMR sheets, main examination answer scripts, category-wise cut-off marks, blacklisting of controversial examination agencies, and major reforms in the state's recruitment process.

The students claim that recurring allegations of paper leaks and irregularities have compromised the future of deserving candidates and weakened public trust in the recruitment system.

As part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged malpractice in the 14th JPSC examination, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted simultaneous raids on Monday across Ranchi, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Deoghar, Godda, Ramgarh, and Hazaribagh districts.

Officials recovered laptops, mobile phones, bank-related documents, carbon copies of candidates' OMR sheets, admit cards, and several other records during the searches. The seized materials are now being examined through forensic and technical analysis.

The CID had earlier raided the JPSC office and arrested several people allegedly linked to the examination process. Former JPSC Chairman and former Chief Secretary L. Kiyangte has also been questioned multiple times in connection with the investigation.

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Amid the growing unrest, the Jharkhand government is expected to announce the formation of a high-level committee to examine the students' grievances. The government has maintained that it is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment and has assured strict legal action against anyone found guilty.

The issue has also sparked political criticism. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the government of widespread corruption in recruitment, alleging that government jobs were being "sold" through the JPSC and JSSC selection process. He has demanded a CBI investigation, the removal of senior officials of both commissions, and immediate action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities.

Despite persistent rain and challenging weather conditions, the students have continued their protest without backing down. Several social organisations and local residents have stepped forward to support the demonstrators by providing food and other essential supplies.

With inputs from IANS