Ranchi, August 10: On Monday, students in Ranchi began a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly, demanding reforms in recruitment examinations. This protest has entered its 17th day, with students expressing frustration over unresolved concerns despite multiple rounds of discussions. Consequently, they have decided to march to the Assembly.
Carrying the national flag and flowers, the students described their march as a peaceful demonstration against alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams. Protesters criticized the administration for implementing strict security measures and accused officials of attempting to block their access to the Assembly.
They are demanding the cancellation of controversial recruitment exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Additionally, they are calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the irregularities.
Speaking to reporters, one student urged candidates from across the state to join the movement. “I appeal to all students to reach the Assembly as soon as possible. The government seems frightened, which is why they are trying to stop us. Students from different communities and castes have united here. We are witnessing student solidarity that will benefit future generations. We hold flowers to show that our protest is entirely peaceful,” the student stated.
Another protester accused the administration of creating unnecessary obstacles for students. “The administration is treating us unfairly and has not allowed us near the Assembly. It took us over five hours to reach here. I am here for the students and their future,” he said.
A third student questioned the government’s willingness to accept the protesters’ demands. “They claim to be in talks with students, but none of our demands are being met. We are only asking for a CBI inquiry. If the government has nothing to hide, why are they afraid of a CBI investigation?” he asked.
Another protester accused the government of ignoring candidates’ concerns. “We want to awaken a government that is neglecting the future of students. There is no empathy for students. The entire system is flawed, and exams are not being conducted properly,” he added.
Notably, the protests intensified after a third round of talks between student representatives and the state government ended without resolution. Following the failed negotiations, thousands of students from various districts began arriving in Ranchi to participate in the Assembly siege.
Candidates traveled to the state capital by bus, train, and private vehicles, with many arriving as early as Sunday morning. Hundreds spent the night outdoors at Jaypal Singh Munda Stadium, Atal Smriti Vendor Market, and nearby buildings.
In response to the protests, the administration has implemented strict security measures in the state capital. A prohibition order under Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code (BNSC) has been enforced within a 750-meter radius of the Assembly. Strong barricades have been erected at approximately 12 key locations along the routes to the Assembly, with barbed wire set up in several areas.
To maintain law and order, around 2,000 additional police officers, along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) units, riot control vehicles, and water cannons, have been deployed. While the state government has instructed security personnel to exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary use of force, the installation of barbed wire barricades has sparked political controversy in Jharkhand.
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