Jharkhand exam irregularities: Protests in Ranchi turn tense as students, JMM workers scuffle
Ranchi, August 21: A protest over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations turned volatile on Friday, as students attempted to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, leading to a scuffle with police at Albert Chowk in the state capital.
The demonstration was organised by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, a coalition of student groups that have accused the state government of 'deceiving' job aspirants. The protesters are demanding action against those responsible for alleged manipulation in the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations and the JSSC-CGL recruitment process. The Jharkhand High Court recently stayed several government notifications that had cancelled appointments made through these exams, adding to the uncertainty faced by thousands of candidates.
According to police officials, the situation escalated when demonstrators tried to ignite effigies of Mr. Soren and Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. 'When the police attempted to prevent the burning of effigies, a scuffle broke out. JMM workers were also present at the spot, which further complicated matters,' a senior officer said, requesting anonymity.
Similar incidents were reported from Hazaribag and Giridih districts, where clashes occurred between JMM workers and student protesters attempting to burn effigies of the Chief Minister. Witnesses described scenes of pushing and shoving, though no major injuries were reported. Police have not yet announced any arrests, but preventive measures have been taken in sensitive areas.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has been vocal in its criticism of the state administration, alleging that the cancellation of appointments was done arbitrarily without proper inquiry. 'The government has betrayed us. We cleared these exams after rigorous preparation, and now our futures are in limbo,' said a protester who preferred not to be named. The group has called for a transparent re-evaluation process and the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the irregularities.
The Jharkhand government, however, has maintained that its actions were aimed at ensuring fairness and merit in recruitment. Officials argue that irregularities were detected in the examination process, necessitating the cancellations. The High Court's stay has been challenged, and the matter is sub judice. In its response, the government has said it will comply with the court's directives and take appropriate steps to resolve the matter legally.
Political reactions have added to the charged atmosphere. While the opposition BJP has sought to corner the ruling JMM-led coalition over the issue, the Congress, which is a part of the coalition, has distanced itself from the effigy-burning of its leader. Congress workers have alleged that some elements within the protest are trying to divert attention from the core demand of exam reforms.
The protests underscore a growing sense of frustration among youth in Jharkhand, where unemployment remains a persistent concern. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the state's unemployment rate has been above the national average for several months. The examination row has become a flashpoint for this anxiety, with students from various districts joining the agitation.
Meanwhile, police have appealed for calm and urged the protesters to hold demonstrations peacefully. 'We understand the concerns of the students, but violence and effigy-burning are not acceptable. We are in talks with the organisers to find a peaceful resolution,' said Ranchi's Deputy Commissioner, who declined to comment further.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has announced plans for a statewide agitation next week if their demands are not met. As the legal process unfolds, the fate of thousands of candidates hangs in the balance, and the state government faces the challenge of balancing judicial scrutiny with administrative decisiveness.
