Ranchi: The agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified on Sunday as protesting students burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Ranchi.
Now in its 23rd day, the protest is being led by the JPSC JSSC Reforms Manch, which has accused the ruling JMM Congress alliance of failing to address the concerns of job aspirants. The students also announced plans to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20 and demanded Soren’s resignation.
The demonstration began with a torchlight march from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, where the effigies were set ablaze. Protesters vowed to continue their movement until the government takes concrete action on alleged recruitment irregularities.
A symbolic moment during the protest saw one participant shave his head, describing it as mourning for Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi. He accused both leaders of abandoning students and criticised what he called dynastic politics. Another protester questioned Rahul Gandhi’s silence, claiming he had spoken strongly on the NEET issue but had not shown the same urgency over Jharkhand’s recruitment controversy.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, a CBI investigation into recruitment exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, public disclosure of inquiry findings, and the reinstatement of suspended finance department official Santosh Kumar Mastana, whom they describe as a whistleblower.
The state government has invited student representatives for another round of talks on August 17. In his Independence Day address, Hemant Soren acknowledged concerns over recruitment examinations and promised transparent reforms, including a fixed annual exam calendar, stronger technology based security, timely publication of answer keys and strict accountability for any irregularities.
The Jharkhand Congress will also hold a meeting on August 18 to discuss recruitment reforms and the students’ demands.
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