Jharkhand exam protest enters 13th day; students say education system in terrible state

The protest by students and job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations entered its 13th day on Thursday, with support for the agitation growing among student organisations across the state.

The protest, being held at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, saw representatives of several student groups reach the venue to express solidarity with the aspirants and support their demand for greater transparency and reforms in the recruitment process.

Despite persistent overnight rain, the protesters remained at the site and vowed to continue the agitation until the government takes concrete steps on their demands. Student leader Devendra Mahto also continued his indefinite hunger strike.

The protesters said adverse weather conditions would not deter them from pursuing their demands, alleging that irregularities in recruitment examinations had undermined the confidence of young people preparing for government jobs.

One student told IANS that corruption had become deeply rooted in the state's education and recruitment system and alleged that candidates were being asked to pay money for government posts. He claimed that a CGL position was allegedly being sold for Rs 25 lakh. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Another protester said the movement was aimed at restoring confidence in Jharkhand's examination system and ensuring that recruitment examinations were conducted transparently and without paper leaks.

The financial difficulties faced by aspirants were also highlighted during the protest. One student said government employment was an important opportunity for candidates from economically weaker families and alleged that irregularities in recruitment were adding to their difficulties.

Another participant said thousands of young people had spent years preparing for examinations such as those for Jharkhand Police and warder posts, with many families making significant financial sacrifices to support their children's preparation.

The students said uncertainty surrounding recruitment examinations had placed additional pressure on aspirants who had invested years in preparation with the expectation of securing government employment.

Meanwhile, a student delegation has been scheduled to meet representatives of the Jharkhand government on Thursday. The talks are being closely watched as both sides look for a possible way forward to resolve the prolonged agitation.

The protesters have maintained that they will continue their movement until their concerns over alleged examination irregularities are addressed and concrete reforms are announced.