Jharkhand LoP alleges attempt to ‘weaken’ job exam movement after late night protest site visit by Ranchi’s DC and SSP

Students in Ranchi have been staging a prolonged protest against alleged irregularities in government examinations, marking a tense standoff between aspirants and authorities. The demonstration, ongoing for 20 days, involves two distinct groups led by Devendra Nath Mahto, who has undertaken a hunger strike lasting 11 days. Seven additional students are participating in the fast, three of whom have been hospitalized due to declining health. Despite their weakened condition, they remain resolute in demanding accountability. Medical aid promised by the government has been delayed, with supplies arriving only after a long wait. The protesters are not seeking financial compensation or employment but insist that the chief minister must personally address them. “We are his children and the people of the state,” says Rahul Kranti, a participant. “Does he consider us terrorists that he cannot come among us?” The protest centers around the alleged misconduct in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations, particularly the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). Students are calling for cancellation of the exam and an independent inquiry by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. For those who have invested years in preparation, the exam represents the culmination of their efforts. However, in Jharkhand, it has turned into a catalyst for unrest, with aspirants choosing to stage demonstrations on the streets, vulnerable and exhausted, in pursuit of justice. The discontent predates the current crisis, rooted in years of unmet expectations. Since 2016, applicants have faced repeated delays in the application process, with exam dates continually pushed back. Arunesh Kumar, a JSSC CGL aspirant from Palamu, recalls the frustration: “Since 2016, the application process has been delayed, and the date is being extended. The government does nothing. It only extends the date and never conducts the exam.” He highlights the growing concern over the aging of candidates, noting that those who have prepared for seven to eight years risk becoming ineligible due to the passage of time. “Who takes responsibility for this?” he asks, emphasizing the lack of flexibility in age limits. The issue escalated further when 272 candidates approached the Jharkhand High Court seeking relaxation in the upper age limit for the 14th JPSC civil services exam. Initially set with 2017 as the reference year, the deadline was later moved to August 1, 2026. Petitioners argued that the delay had rendered them ineligible, as they aged while awaiting results. The court, presided over by Justice Ananda Sen, ordered the JPSC to accept their applications but avoided ruling on the broader question of fairness. Months later, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced in the state assembly that 2022, not 2026, would serve as the reference year. While this decision allowed approximately 250 more candidates to qualify, it fell short of resolving the issue for many. Amid these developments, tensions flared when law enforcement officials visited the protest site late at night. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi criticized the intervention, accusing the administration of attempting to disperse the demonstrators through measures such as cutting off electricity. He accused the government of fearing the students' peaceful struggle and warned of potential repercussions if attempts to suppress the movement continued. Marandi emphasized the need for a transparent CBI investigation into allegations of job selling and procedural irregularities within the JPSC and JSSC exams. He urged the government to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, stressing that the students’ demands were clear and justified. The Ranchi District Collector, Manjunath Bhajantri, defended the visit, stating that officials aimed to assess the conditions at the protest site and ensure the well-being of participants. He noted that the administration had requested the hunger strikers to consume food to prevent further deterioration in their health. Officials also expressed willingness to engage in meaningful discussion regarding the next steps. However, the incident underscored the deepening divide between the government and the aspirants, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of the prolonged standoff. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on resolving the underlying issues that have driven the students to the streets.