Jharkhand Student Protest (img:X)
Ranchi: The ongoing protest by job aspirants and student organisations in Jharkhand has been suspended for 60 days after the state government accepted several key demands raised by protesters.
Student representatives announced the decision in Ranchi, saying the agitation was being paused to give the Hemant Soren-led government time to implement its commitments. They warned that the protest could resume if the promised actions are not carried out within the given period.
The decision comes after the Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of 22 recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and an outsourced agency.
The government has also ordered an investigation into 23 other examinations following allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, bribery and manipulation of OMR sheets.
The probe is being conducted based on findings from the ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in recruitment processes.
Student leaders said the suspension of the protest does not mean the movement has ended. They demanded transparency in the investigation process and urged the government to ensure that action is taken against those responsible for irregularities.
Student representative Kunal Singh said the decision was taken to provide the government an opportunity to fulfil its promises made to the youth.
The protesters also maintained their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged recruitment exam irregularities.
Student leaders, including Devendra Nath Mahto, ended their hunger strike after the government’s announcement. The protest leaders had been demonstrating for several weeks, including a 16-day hunger strike demanding reforms in the recruitment system.
The student groups later organised an “Abhar Yatra” (thanksgiving march) in Ranchi to acknowledge the support received from students and their families during the agitation.
Jharkhand minister Irfan Ansari said that a consensus had been reached between the government and student representatives, adding that the administration stands with the youth.
The government has also announced plans to review recruitment examination systems and establish reforms aimed at improving transparency and preventing future irregularities.
