Ranchi, July 30: Jharkhand has been placed on high alert as student group Gen Z announced an intensified agitation over the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations, with plans for an indefinite hunger strike from August 2 and a march to the State Legislative Assembly during the Monsoon Session on August 6.
Following a recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the movement is set to shift its focus to Ranchi. Acting on intelligence inputs, the state administration has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and the Railway Police to remain on alert to maintain law and order during the proposed demonstrations.
According to intelligence reports, hundreds of JPSC aspirants from across the state are expected to converge in Ranchi for the Assembly march, while several private coaching institutes are also likely to support the agitation. The Special Branch has warned that the protests could intensify if the state government fails to address the demands of the aspirants.
The protesters have announced that they will launch an indefinite hunger strike from August 2 if the government does not respond positively to their demands.
The agitation, being carried out under the banner of the JPSC and JSSC Candidates Justice Forum, has been continuing since July 25 with an indefinite satyagraha outside Bapu Vatika at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi. The protest is being led by student leader Dinbandhu Mahato and JLKM leader Devendra Mahato, with around 50 to 60 aspirants participating daily.
The aspirants have alleged that irregularities in JPSC recruitment examinations have persisted for several years and argued that a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry alone would not reveal the complete truth. They have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the entire recruitment process, asserting that only an independent investigation can ensure fairness and accountability.
The protesters are also seeking strict action against those allegedly involved in corruption, time-bound completion of recruitment processes and greater transparency in future appointments.
On July 29, the agitators organised a foot march from Bapu Vatika to Parmveer Albert Ekka Chowk, where they read the Preamble to the Constitution and sang the National Anthem, describing the movement as peaceful and constitutional.
“Our agitation is apolitical. It is neither in support of nor against any political party, but is solely aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged examination irregularities,” the protesting students said.
They further maintained, “A CID probe alone cannot uncover the complete truth. Only a CBI investigation can ensure an impartial probe, bring all facts to light and hold those responsible accountable.”
In view of the anticipated mobilisation, district administrations have been instructed to strengthen surveillance, deploy adequate security personnel at sensitive locations and closely monitor the movement of protesters travelling to Ranchi by road and rail.
Meanwhile, the issue has also triggered political reactions, with BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu demanding that the Hemant Soren government dismiss the three JPSC members, initiate criminal proceedings against them and order a CBI inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
“The Hemant government should dismiss the three JPSC members, register cases against them, put them behind bars, and order a CBI investigation into the entire matter,” Sahu said.
