Kathmandu— Thousands of student protesters gathered near the Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi, India on August 10th, demonstrating against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations and recruitment processes. Organized by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, the march saw students forming a human chain and demanding both cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam and a CBI investigation into the reported issues. The protest comes amid accusations of widespread irregularities and concerns over transparency in the state’s recruitment system.

Protest Demands and Government Response

Protesters reiterated their demands for the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a thorough CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. One protester stated, “We are not going to stop today. Our first demand is to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam, secondly a CBI probe.” Another protester emphasized their resolve to remain at the site until authorities addressed their concerns, saying, “We will move ahead when the barricading is opened; till then we will sit here.”

Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari stated that the government stands with the youth and is committed to finding a solution through dialogue. He criticized the opposition BJP for staging protests outside the Chief Minister’s residence, accusing them of attempting to divert attention from the issues.

Allegations of Widespread Irregularities

Protesters allege significant irregularities in the JSSC-CGL exam specifically, claiming that hundreds of candidates were improperly selected. MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) told reporters that the government should have accepted demands for cancellation and acknowledged that Abhay Tiwari had admitted to facilitating the selection of approximately 400 candidates.

A protester highlighted the state’s mineral wealth, contrasting it with what they perceive as a lack of opportunity for students due to governmental policies. “Jharkhand is a mineral-rich state,” he said. “While the whole country and world are using Jharkhand's minerals, students here are kept in the dark due to the government's policies. And today we demand answers peacefully.”

Police Detain Opposition Leaders

Earlier on August 10th, Babulal Marandi, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, and several other BJP leaders were detained by state police during a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence. This demonstration mirrored the students' concerns regarding irregularities within the JPSC and JSSC examinations.

The protesting aspirants have maintained that their key demands – including cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, and reforms to the recruitment process – have not been fully met by the state government.

The protesters continue to demand full acceptance of their demands, while the government maintains its commitment to addressing concerns through ongoing talks. The situation remains fluid as both sides seek a resolution.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.