RANCHI — Student protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's government recruitment examinations entered their nineteenth day of deadlock on Wednesday, with protesters rejecting the state government's claim that most of their demands had been addressed and political pressure mounting on the administration.
The demonstrations, which began in late July, have centred on allegations of malpractice and irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Protesters have demanded cancellation of several examinations, reforms to the recruitment process and a probe by India's federal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The standoff intensified on Monday when thousands of protesters marched towards the state legislature in Ranchi. Police used tear gas, water cannon and batons to disperse the crowd after some protesters attempted to breach barricades, according to officials and media reports. Both sides reported injuries, although no official overall casualty figure was immediately available.
The state government has said it has addressed most of the students' demands and remains willing to hold talks. Protesters have disputed that account, saying only three of 13 examinations at issue had been cancelled, according to reports.
The dispute has also drawn intervention from political parties. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Raghubar Das visited protesting students in Ranchi on Wednesday and called on the Hemant Soren-led government to recommend a CBI investigation within a week. Das said he would begin a hunger strike if the demand was not met, according to the Times of India.
The ruling Congress party has defended the state government's handling of the demonstrations, saying no force was used against protesters, while accusing the BJP of attempting to divert attention from the examination dispute.
The protests have highlighted broader concerns among young job seekers over transparency in public recruitment examinations in a state where government employment is highly sought after. Earlier demonstrations in Ranchi brought thousands of students into the streets demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations.
As of Wednesday, no settlement had been reached between the protesters and the state government, leaving the dispute unresolved as calls for further dialogue and an independent investigation continued.
