Jharkhand exam row deepens as students intensify protest, hunger strike grows

Protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations have intensified in Jharkhand, with students and job aspirants continuing their sit-in at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and expanding their indefinite hunger strike.

The agitation, which began on July 29, centres on allegations of malpractice in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Protesters are demanding a central agency probe and the cancellation of all examinations conducted by the private agency TDPL, which is under scrutiny over the alleged irregularities.

The hunger strike escalated on Tuesday after five more protesters joined the fast. Devendranath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Krantikari Loktantrik Morcha (JKLM), who initiated the hunger strike, said the alleged inaction of both the Centre and the state government had demoralised students and job aspirants.

The protesters have also announced a series of marches to the Jharkhand Assembly. JKLM plans a Vidhan Sabha March on August 6, while the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and other organisations will hold a similar rally on August 7. A separate march by independent students has been scheduled for August 10.

The movement has received support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said he had spoken with student leaders in Jharkhand and expressed solidarity with their demands. The protest has also attracted public support, with people from across the country sending food and other supplies to demonstrators.

Responding to the agitation, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government was awaiting the findings of the Crime Investigation Department’s probe into the alleged examination irregularities. He assured students that appropriate action would be taken once the investigation is completed and said the government would act within constitutional norms to address their concerns.