Protests Continue in Ranchi Against JPSC-JSSC Paper Leak Scandal

Ranchi, August 8: Protests by students against the JPSC-JSSC paper leak scandal continue in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, entering their 15th day. Hundreds of students are staging a sit-in at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. Leading the movement is Devendra Nath Mahto, a prominent student leader from the Jharkhand Democratic Revolutionary Front. He stated that a formal meeting with the government took place on Friday, but it yielded no positive outcomes. An eight-member delegation is set to continue discussions today. The hunger strike will persist until their demands are met.

In an interview, Mahto expressed disappointment over the government’s assurances during the meeting. He said, “While discussions are ongoing, only promises have been made. We are committed to ensuring that immediate demands are fulfilled right away, and those requiring more time should be addressed within three months. I will continue my hunger strike until our immediate demands are met.”

The primary demand is for the cancellation of all examinations conducted by the TDPPL (TSR Data Processing Private Limited) agency and a fair investigation into the matter.

Mahto highlighted that students have suffered since the formation of Jharkhand. This issue is not limited to a single examination. Irregularities and paper leaks in exams like JPSC and JSSC have led to unfair job allocations, causing widespread frustration. For the first time in a long while, students have united, gaining support from across the country.

Another student leader, Prem Nayak, emphasized their desire to advance under Mahto’s leadership and to engage directly with the Chief Minister. They insist that discussions should occur in an open forum to ensure transparency.

Nayak remarked, “A student studies in a cramped 10×10 room, surviving on rice and lentils brought from home. If jobs are sold for 1 crore or 80 lakh rupees, where does that leave the poor student? It is crucial to raise this voice loudly. This is where the economy begins to falter. If an official secures a job through bribery, how can we expect them to act without corruption?”