Jharkhand recruitment row: Protesting students demand CM Soren's resignation, plan assembly gherao

Students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations have intensified their agitation, with several on hunger strike now demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation. They have also announced plans to gherao the state legislative assembly on August 10 if their demands are not met.

The protests began over suspected paper leaks and irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), including the CGL exam. Aspirants have been demanding a thorough inquiry and action against those responsible.

One protester, speaking to the ANI news agency on condition of anonymity, said the hunger strike has entered its third day and that Soren has not visited the protest site even as a gesture of moral support. "We remain steadfast until the government accepts our demands. We now demand the chief minister's resignation, as he is unfit for the office he holds," the protester said.

The same protester also addressed rumours about one of the hunger strikers, Devendra Nath Mahato, having called off his fast. "My health is deteriorating. I feel dizzy if I try to stand up. I try to speak as little as possible... Various false rumours are being spread claiming that Devendra Nath Mahato called off his hunger strike... I want to tell everyone that Devendra Nath has not called off the strike," the protester told ANI.

Another protesting aspirant, Rahul Kranti, told ANI that students are ready for talks but the government has not shown a positive approach. He questioned why the government was investigating through its own agencies instead of ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. "We are ready for talks. However, judging by the government's actions and what we are hearing through the media, it still does not appear to be taking a positive approach toward our demands. The government continues to say that it is investigating the matter through its own agencies. If that is the case, what is the objection to ordering a CBI inquiry?" Kranti asked.

Kranti also noted that the health of the hunger strikers is deteriorating. "We have been on a hunger strike for the past three days. Our health is steadily deteriorating, and we are growing weaker with each passing day. The gherao of the Legislative Assembly is scheduled for the 10th. So far, the Honorable chief minister has not even come to inquire about our well-being, not even as a gesture of moral support," he said.

Another protester, Radhe Kumar, said the decision to gherao the assembly was taken after the government initiated contact with the agitating students.

Chief Minister Soren had earlier said on Wednesday that the government was treating the allegations with "utmost seriousness and sensitivity" and assured that justice would be delivered within the constitutional and legal framework. His remarks were his first public response since the protests began.

The students' demands include a transparent re-conduct of the examinations, cancellation of the allegedly compromised exams, and a high-level inquiry into the irregularities. They have vowed to continue their agitation until these demands are met.

The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of recruitment exam integrity in the state, with aspirants expressing concern over the impact on their careers and the need for fair and transparent processes.