Jharkhand students protest exam irregularities for 19 days, vow to escalate demonstrations
Job aspirants in Jharkhand are continuing their 19-day protest against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, refusing to end their agitation despite government assurances. Demonstrators are demanding greater transparency, test cancellations, and an independent probe, while police have
Key takeaways
- Student protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams have reached their 19th day.
- Demands include enhanced transparency, test cancellations, and an independent investigation, with no resolution in recent government talks.
- Police used force, including batons and tear gas, against demonstrators, leading to injuries on both sides and subsequent political action.
- Six protesters are on hunger strike, two of whom have been hospitalized.
- The state assembly's proceedings were disrupted and adjourned early due to the ongoing unrest.
Student protesters in Jharkhand have continued their agitation for 19 days, demanding reforms in the state's recruitment examination system. The demonstrations are organized by groups including the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch and Jharkhand Chhatra Nyay.
Protesters are calling for increased transparency in examinations administered by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Their demands include the cancellation of several tests and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities, proposed to be conducted by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand. Despite assurances of reforms from the Hemant Soren government, the students have vowed to intensify their actions until their demands are met.
What Happened
The protest entered its 19th day on Wednesday. On Monday, police used water cannons, tear gas, and batons to disperse students marching towards the state assembly. While demonstrators reported injuries, police stated that 14 personnel were hurt. This confrontation led to a statewide bandh on Tuesday, organized by the BJP, which disrupted normal life with blocked roads and closed institutions. The ABVP also conducted a separate march towards the assembly. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch held a silent procession on Tuesday evening.
Key Facts
- Student protests regarding alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations have entered their 19th day.
- Protesters are demanding greater transparency from the JPSC and JSSC, cancellation of tests, and an independent probe.
- On Monday, police used water cannons, tear gas, and batons against students marching towards the state assembly; police reported 14 injured personnel.
- The BJP observed a statewide bandh on Tuesday to protest the police action and demand an independent probe.
- Six demonstrators are observing an indefinite hunger strike, with two admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
- Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated his government is committed to reforming the examination system and assured the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination.
- The state assembly was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, a day early, due to disruptions related to the protests.
- The protests and related disruptions occurred in Ranchi and other districts of Jharkhand.
Background
Six demonstrators are currently on an indefinite hunger strike, with two requiring hospitalization. One leader, Devendra Nath Mahto, has been fasting for approximately 10 days and remains in the hospital. Talks between the government and student representatives have failed to resolve the deadlock, with both sides criticizing the other's commitment. The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of politicizing the student agitation.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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