Jharkhand Students Intensify Protest Over Recruitment Exam Irregularities; CJP Extends Support
Student protests in Ranchi have intensified over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams. Several students are on an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a CBI probe, cancellation of disputed examinations, and greater transparency in the recruitment process. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has extended support to the agitation, while the Jharkhand government says it will act after receiving the CID investigation report.
Ranchi: Student protests in Jharkhand have intensified as job aspirants continue their sit-in demonstration and hunger strike, demanding an independent probe into alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protest has been underway at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 29, with more students joining the indefinite hunger strike to press for action.
Why Are Students Protesting?
The protesters allege large-scale irregularities in the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and other recruitment exams conducted by JPSC and JSSC. They claim question papers and OMR sheets were leaked, compromising the fairness of the selection process.
Students have rejected the ongoing CID investigation, alleging that the state government is attempting to "whitewash" the issue. They are demanding a probe by central agencies such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged recruitment scam.
The protesters are also seeking:
A CBI and ED investigation into the alleged exam irregularities.
Cancellation of examinations conducted by the private agency TDPL, which is under scrutiny.
Introduction of a fifth "Not Attempted" option on OMR answer sheets.
Transparent action against those responsible for the alleged paper leaks.
Hunger Strike Gains Momentum
The indefinite hunger strike was initially launched by Devendranath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Krantikari Loktantrik Morcha (JKLM). Since then, several other students and job aspirants have joined the fast, escalating the agitation.
Student groups have also announced multiple protest marches:
•August 6: Vidhan Sabha March by JKLM.
•August 7: March by the All India Students' Association (AISA) and other organisations.
•August 10: Separate march by independent students who say they want the movement to remain free from political influence.
CJP Extends Support
The protests received national attention after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke publicly expressed support for the students.
Dipke said he interacted with student leaders through a video call and assured them that the CJP stands with their demands for a fair investigation and justice for job aspirants.
The Ranchi protest has also received support from people across the country, with food and essential supplies reportedly being sent to the protest site through online delivery platforms.
Government Responds
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government is awaiting the findings of the CID investigation before taking any further action.
He stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is working continuously and assured students that the government would act based on the investigation's findings while remaining committed to their welfare within constitutional provisions.