Jharkhand paper leak row: Why students launched hunger strike as CJP backs protest

Protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified on Sunday after student leader Devendra Nath Mahato launched an indefinite hunger strike, with aspirants demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test, a probe into alleged paper leaks and major reforms in the state’s recruitment system. The agitation also received support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Mahato began his hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where students have been protesting for days against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

Tracing the movement’s timeline, Mahato said the protests began after the results of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Preliminary Test were declared last month. He said students had met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, staged demonstrations, and later submitted evidence to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, prompting official action.

Accusing the state government and the JPSC of failing to address students’ concerns, Mahato said the hunger strike would continue until the government’s response matched the seriousness of the allegations.

“Our primary objective is the cancellation of the 14th PT examination and an investigation into all recruitment exams conducted through the TDPL agency,” he said, adding that the agitation also seeks sweeping reforms in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment systems.

Why are students protesting?

The agitation stems from allegations of repeated paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and administrative lapses in competitive examinations. Aspirants claim several recruitment tests have been compromised, undermining transparency and fairness.

Student protesters have alleged that examinations conducted by both the JPSC and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) have faced recurring irregularities, calling for systemic reforms rather than isolated action.

CJP extends support

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has extended support to the ongoing agitation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said he had spoken to protesting students and backed their demands for transparent recruitment and accountability.

Key demands

The protesters have urged the Hemant Soren government to:

• Cancel the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Test.
• Order a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.
• Investigate all examinations conducted through the TDPL agency.
• Introduce structural reforms to ensure transparency in future recruitment processes.
• Add a fifth “not attempted” option to OMR answer sheets.

As part of the agitation, students also organised a Mashal March in Ranchi. The protests entered their fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with hundreds of aspirants continuing their sit-in.

Meanwhile, BJP state general secretary Amar Kumar Bauri criticised the Hemant Soren government over the alleged examination irregularities and demanded the chief minister’s resignation, saying he should take moral responsibility for the controversy.