Ranchi, Aug 13: The agitation by students over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 20th day on Thursday, with protesters refusing to withdraw the stir until their demands, including a CBI probe, are addressed.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has been demonstrating at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, seeking greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests and an independent investigation by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
Former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das has threatened to undertake a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe is not accepted within a week. He has also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of 19 people who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination.
The agitation has also received support from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which has announced protests at more than 1,200 universities over the issue. ABVP leaders have questioned the credibility of the state-appointed Special Investigation Team, citing repeated changes in its composition.
The issue has triggered a political confrontation in Jharkhand. The BJP has accused the Hemant Soren government of suppressing the students’ movement, while the Congress has accused the BJP of politicising the agitation and alleged that it brought workers from outside the state to disrupt the protests.
Tensions escalated on August 10 when students marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly clashed with police. Security personnel used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters. The BJP subsequently observed a statewide bandh in protest against the police action.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike, is undergoing treatment at a hospital after his health deteriorated. He has sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site.
Mahto has maintained that although his body is undergoing treatment in hospital, his “soul” remains with the students and their movement.
Four other students observing hunger strikes are also undergoing treatment at a hospital, according to the information available.
Six rounds of talks between government representatives and student leaders have so far failed to end the deadlock.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforming the recruitment examination system and has assured the protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled.
Soren has also accused the BJP of attempting to use the students’ agitation for political gains.
The protesters, however, continue to press for an independent probe and other measures, keeping the recruitment examination issue at the centre of a widening political confrontation in the state.
