Recruitment Exams – Jharkhand Assembly Session Set to Witness Heated Debate Over Student Protest
Recruitment Exams –The Monsoon Session of the Jharkhand Assembly is set to begin on Thursday amid growing political attention over the ongoing student protest against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The issue is expected to dominate legislative proceedings as opposition parties prepare to question the Hemant Soren-led government. At the same time, the agitation has entered its 13th day, with six protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strike.
Student Movement Gains Momentum
The protest began on July 25 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch. Since then, it has expanded into one of Jharkhand’s largest student-led campaigns in recent years. Demonstrators have continued their sit-in while urging the government to address their concerns regarding the state’s recruitment process.
The protesters have demanded that the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination be cancelled. They are also seeking an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel comprising retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand. Alongside these demands, they have called for structural reforms in both the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Chief Minister Offers Dialogue
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren described question paper leaks as an issue affecting several parts of the country rather than Jharkhand alone. He expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the protesting students in an effort to find a peaceful solution and resolve the ongoing deadlock.
Hunger Strike Intensifies
The indefinite hunger strike expanded further on Wednesday after five additional protesters, including two women, joined the fast. Their participation increased the total number of people on hunger strike to six. Among them is Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been fasting for five consecutive days.
Mahto’s deteriorating health has raised concerns after reports indicated a significant decline in both his blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently completed a 26-day hunger strike in Delhi over the NEET paper leak controversy, spoke with Mahto over the phone and appealed to him to at least consume water for health reasons. Following that conversation, Mahto agreed to drink water while continuing his protest.
Protesters Demand Concrete Action
According to members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, the decision to begin an indefinite hunger strike came only after repeated appeals to the government failed to produce a meaningful response. Spokesperson Jivan Kumar said the addition of five more participants, including two women, reflected the determination of students to strengthen the movement until their demands are addressed.
One of the fasting participants, Sabita Kumari, stated that students felt ignored despite repeatedly raising their concerns, leaving them with no alternative but to intensify the agitation. Another protester, Habiba, appealed directly to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, saying students were looking for justice and concrete action instead of assurances.
Political Support and Investigation Continue
The protest received backing from both opposition leaders and a member of the ruling alliance. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation led by Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi visited the protest venue and reiterated its demand for cancelling the 14th JPSC examination along with an independent CBI investigation. The BJP legislature party has also decided to raise the matter during the Assembly session. Meanwhile, the Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance, also extended support to the protesting students.
Separately, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities. Officials said that 19 individuals have been arrested so far, including five arrests made on Wednesday. Former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte has also been questioned four times since July 28 as part of the ongoing investigation.
Security Measures Around the Assembly
With student organisations planning demonstrations and an Assembly gherao on August 7 and August 10, the district administration has introduced precautionary measures. Prohibitory orders will remain in force within a 750-metre radius of the Jharkhand Assembly from August 6 to August 12, between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, to maintain law and order during the scheduled protests and the Monsoon Session.