Jharkhand students protest exam irregularities, plan Independence Day rally
Jharkhand students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have continued their demonstration for 21 days. They plan a 'Tiranga Yatra' on India's Independence Day to bolster their movement.
Key takeaways
- Students in Jharkhand have been protesting alleged recruitment examination irregularities for 21 days.
- A 'Tiranga Yatra' is planned for India's Independence Day as part of the ongoing demonstrations.
- Authorities have filed an FIR against 300 individuals following violent clashes during a protest march.
- The State CID has made 20 arrests, including a former JPSC chairperson, related to the alleged exam irregularities.
- The Jharkhand Chief Minister has pledged reforms and the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination.
A student protest in Jharkhand against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations has reached its 21st day. Demonstrators, organized under the banner of JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, plan to hold a 'Tiranga Yatra' on August 15 to coincide with India's 80th Independence Day. This planned march aims to further galvanize their movement.
What Happened
The protesters are demanding increased transparency in recruitment processes, the cancellation of several examinations, and an independent investigation. An FIR was filed by the Ranchi district administration against 300 unnamed individuals following violence during a march towards the State Assembly on August 10. The charges include violations of prohibitory orders, damage to government property, and assaulting police personnel. Fourteen police officers were injured during the confrontation, which led to the use of batons, water cannons, and tear gas by law enforcement. A leader of the protest, Devendra Nath Mahto, has been on a hunger strike for 13 days and is currently receiving medical treatment. Four other students on hunger strike are also hospitalized. The State CID has conducted raids and arrested 20 individuals, including a former JPSC chairperson, in connection with alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Key Facts
- The students' protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations has continued for 21 days as of Friday, August 14, 2026.
- Protesters plan to hold a 'Tiranga Yatra' on August 15 to celebrate India's 80th Independence Day.
- An FIR was lodged against 300 unnamed individuals over violence during a march towards the State Assembly on August 10.
- Fourteen police personnel were injured during the confrontation.
- Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader on hunger strike for 13 days, was admitted to Sadar Hospital on August 10.
- The State CID has arrested 20 people, including a former JPSC chairperson, in connection with alleged irregularities.
- Chief Minister Hemant Soren has stated his government's commitment to recruitment examination reforms and assured the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination.
Background
Ahead of the monsoon session, the Ranchi administration had imposed prohibitory orders within a 750-meter radius of the assembly building. The Jharkhand Chief Minister has accused the opposition BJP of politicizing the agitation and has reiterated the government's commitment to reforms. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch is advocating for greater transparency and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside the state.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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