Ranchi, August 10: Thousands of student job aspirants converged on Ranchi by bus, train, and private vehicles, forcing their way past law enforcement barricades near the state legislative complex after government negotiations failed to produce a consensus on recruitment examination reforms.
Security personnel used water cannons to disperse crowds near the assembly, where demonstrators continued their protest against persistent paper leaks and administrative lapses in competitive testing.
Until our demands are met, we will not stop, an assembling student demonstrator declared, asserting that job aspirants require a full Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission. The demand for a central agency probe remains non-negotiable for student groups following six unsuccessful discussion sessions with a government panel.
State representatives maintained that ninety-eight percent of student grievances were addressed, though representatives from the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch asserted that official willingness to cancel three out of thirteen contested exams fell well short of complete resolution.
The state government will take firm action against anyone involved in altering the examination process, Chief Minister Hemant Soren affirmed, offering assurances that procedural integrity would be restored.
The state testing bodies face significant administrative changes amid the inquiry. Three commission members stepped down from the Jharkhand Public Service Commission following Crime Investigation Department summonses, adding to earlier executive changes including the resignation of former chairman L Khiangte.
Despite extensive security arrangements across district lines and widespread educational facility closures, student leader Devendra Mahto, continuing an indefinite hunger strike, appealed to protesters to maintain discipline and prevent escalations with security forces while continuing to advocate for comprehensive examination reforms.
