CJP delegation in Ranchi backs students over JPSC, JSSC exam irregularities

A delegation of the CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) arrived in Ranchi on Saturday to extend support to students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The delegation's visit comes amid an intensifying protest movement that has seen students demanding a CBI probe and cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party stood in "complete solidarity" with the protesting students and would provide all forms of support. "CJP stands in complete solidarity with the students of Jharkhand," Ranka said in a post on X. He added that the delegation, led by Mukallrounder and Akshay Shinde, would support the students during their ongoing agitation.

Speaking to PTI, CJP national coordinator Mukesh said the party fully supports the students' demands for a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities and repeated paper leaks. "We stand with the students and will continue to support them," he said, adding that the party would share its experience from the Jantar Mantar movement with the protesting students. "Our support may not be from the stage, but we are standing with them," Mukesh said, asserting that the CJP would continue backing the students until there is transparency in recruitment examinations and paper leaks are stopped. "Till when will this continue to happen?" he asked.

The JPSC and JSSC are responsible for conducting various recruitment examinations for state government jobs in Jharkhand. Over the years, allegations of question paper leaks and malpractices have surfaced repeatedly, leading to protests and demands for reforms. In the current round, the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and the JSSC-CGL examination have come under scrutiny, with students alleging that the question papers were leaked and the evaluation process was flawed. The alleged irregularities have left thousands of aspirants in distress, with many having spent months preparing for these exams.

The students have been staging protests across the state, demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC prelims, a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL exams, and the release of OMR sheets and answer scripts. They have also called for a complete overhaul of the recruitment agencies to ensure transparency.

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been observing an indefinite hunger strike over the issue. On Wednesday, the fourth day of his fast, Mahto consumed water after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk urged him to do so during a video call, while maintaining that his agitation would continue until the government responds to the students' demands. "This is not just about an exam; it is about the future of thousands of students. We will not back down," Mahto has said.

The Jharkhand government has said it is examining the allegations. Chief Minister Hemant Soren recently met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and said the government would "soon take action" on the matter. However, students have expressed skepticism, pointing out that similar assurances in the past have not led to concrete action. The protest movement has gained political significance, with various parties and groups extending support.

The CJP delegation is the latest political formation to reach out to the students. The party has reportedly been active in raising issues related to youth and education. The delegation, according to party functionaries, will stay in Ranchi and participate in the ongoing protests, while also engaging with student groups and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the administration has tightened security around the protest sites to prevent any untoward incident. Peaceful demonstrations have been allowed, and authorities have said they are ensuring law and order. The students have maintained that their protest will remain peaceful, but they are firm on their demands. As the deadlock continues, all eyes are on the government's next move.