Ranchi: The ongoing protest by students against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 11th day on Tuesday, with demonstrators warning of a gherao of the Jharkhand Assembly on August 6 if their demands remain unmet.
The agitation has intensified at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past three days.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and a CBI as well as ED investigation into alleged irregularities in several recruitment exams, including the JPSC and JSSC-CGL tests. They are also seeking the release of OMR sheets, main examination answer scripts, category-wise cut-off marks, blacklisting of agencies accused of misconduct, and sweeping reforms in the state’s recruitment system.
According to the students, repeated allegations of paper leaks and examination irregularities have put the careers of deserving candidates at risk while undermining confidence in the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, carried out simultaneous raids on Monday at multiple locations across Ranchi, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Deoghar, Godda, Ramgarh, and Hazaribagh.
During the searches, investigators seized laptops, mobile phones, bank records, carbon copies of candidates’ OMR sheets, admit cards, and several other documents believed to be relevant to the case. The seized materials are now undergoing forensic and technical examination.
The CID had earlier searched the JPSC office and arrested several individuals linked to the examination process. Former JPSC Chairman and former Chief Secretary L. Kiyangte has also been questioned multiple times as part of the investigation.
In response to the growing unrest, the Jharkhand government is preparing to form a high-level committee to examine the grievances raised by the students. An official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment examinations, stating that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty during the ongoing investigations.
The controversy has also triggered a political confrontation, with Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accusing the government of allowing jobs to be “sold” through the JPSC and JSSC recruitment process. He has demanded a CBI investigation, the immediate removal of the chairpersons, secretaries, and examination controllers of both commissions, and swift action against those allegedly involved.
Despite continuous rainfall and difficult weather conditions, the protesters have remained at the demonstration site. Local residents and several social organisations have been extending support by providing food and other essential supplies to the agitating students.
With inputs from IANS