RANCHI — Student groups in Jharkhand intensified their agitation on Thursday over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, announcing a series of protest actions as pressure mounted on the state government to address concerns surrounding examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protests, which have continued for nearly two weeks, have centered on allegations of irregularities in recruitment processes and demands for greater transparency. Organizers have called for the cancellation of the JPSC Combined Civil Services preliminary examination and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while also seeking accountability for officials allegedly linked to the controversy. Authorities have not confirmed the allegations, and investigations remain ongoing.
Student leaders said they would hold a Tiranga March and stage a demonstration outside the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on Aug. 10 if their demands were not addressed. Protest organizers said the agitation would continue through peaceful means.
One of the movement's prominent leaders, Devendra Nath Mahto, remained on an indefinite hunger strike. According to reports, Mahto agreed to resume drinking water following an appeal from education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk but said he would continue his fast until substantive action was taken on the students' demands.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his government was committed to ensuring justice for affected students and indicated that action would be taken soon. The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is already investigating alleged examination irregularities, following earlier arrests linked to the case.
The controversy has also drawn political attention. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has supported calls for a CBI investigation into the disputed examinations, while other political figures and organizations have expressed support for the student movement.
The examination controversy escalated in July after the JPSC postponed scheduled civil services main examinations, citing unavoidable circumstances, following the CID's investigation into alleged irregularities. The commission had previously announced the postponement of multiple examinations as the probe progressed.
A possible opening for dialogue emerged on Thursday after officials indicated that a five-member delegation representing the protesting students was expected to meet Chief Minister Soren. Student representatives said discussions with the government would not affect the continuation of the protest until concrete decisions were announced, while the state government has not publicly detailed any immediate measures beyond the ongoing investigation.
