Jharkhand Exam Stir: 21 Days On, Students Plan Independence Day Tiranga Yatra

The protest by job aspirants against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations entered its 21st day on Friday (August 14, 2026). The demonstrators, who have been demanding action against malpractices in the selection process, said they would take out a 'Tiranga Yatra' on the occasion of the country's 80th Independence Day on August 15.

The agitators, under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, are seeking greater transparency in the conduct of recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests already held, and an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired judges from outside the state. They have also been critical of the Ranchi district administration for lodging an FIR over the violence that occurred during their march towards the state assembly on August 10. The protesters asserted that the Tiranga Yatra would further strengthen their movement.

The FIR, registered at the Vidhan Sabha police station, names 300 unidentified people for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, damaging government property, and attacking police personnel during the August 10 march. The Ranchi administration had imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (BNSS) within a 750-metre radius of the assembly building ahead of the monsoon session. Fourteen police personnel were injured in the confrontation on that day, following which the police used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hatia) Neeraj Kumar said no arrests or detentions have been made so far in connection with the violence. He added that the police are examining video footage to identify those responsible. The Ranchi police have appealed to the protesters to maintain peace and have said that legal action will be taken against those found guilty of violence.

Ravindra Paswan, a leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, appealed to the administration and the state government not to name any genuine student in the FIR. "If the administration has registered an FIR against unidentified persons, we do not have any objection. But we would like to appeal to the administration and the Jharkhand government not to file an FIR against any student," he said.

Meanwhile, concern persists over the health of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for 13 days. He was admitted to the Sadar Hospital on August 10 after his condition deteriorated following his participation in the assembly march. On Wednesday, August 12, he sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site. Four other students on hunger strike are also undergoing treatment at the same hospital, according to the protesters.

In a related development, the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has carried out raids at multiple locations to execute arrest warrants against seven accused in cases linked to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). So far, 20 people have been arrested in connection with the matter, including former JPSC chairperson L. Khiangte, officials said.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said his government is committed to reforms in recruitment examinations and has assured the protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. He has also accused the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the agitation for political gains. The BJP, on the other hand, has alleged that the Soren government is attempting to suppress the movement. The Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance, has accused the BJP of politicising the students' agitation and bringing workers from outside the state to disrupt the protest. Former chief minister Raghubar Das has threatened to go on a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe is not met.

The agitation has drawn support from several social organisations and writers, with many providing free food to the protesters. The movement began after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations. The protests have remained largely peaceful barring the clashes on August 10.