Jharkhand Students March to Assembly on Day 17 of Paper Leak Protest

Thousands of students in Jharkhand marched towards the state assembly in Ranchi on [day of protest] as their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment examinations entered its 17th day. The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.

Students from several districts assembled in the state capital earlier in the day, travelling by trains, buses and private vehicles. “The government should listen to us and respond,” a student participating in the march said, reflecting the mood of the crowd.

The administration has been on alert, setting up barricades at major intersections and sensitive locations across the city. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers to maintain order and prevent any untoward incident. In a precautionary measure, most schools in Ranchi remained shut on the day of the march. Authorities have also been checking buses and private vehicles at district borders, major roads and highways to regulate the influx of protesters.

The protests were triggered by alleged paper leaks in recruitment tests conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The agitating students have been demanding cancellation of several examinations and a thorough investigation into the matter.

Today's march comes after multiple rounds of talks between representatives of the protesting outfits and a government-appointed panel failed to resolve the deadlock. The sixth round of talks, held the previous day, yielded no breakthrough as the students remained firm on their demand for a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.

The state government has maintained that it has accepted “98 per cent” of the students’ demands and has urged them to withdraw the protest. However, student leaders argue that the government has agreed to scrap only three of the 13 tests they want cancelled. Ravindra Paswan, a leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, asserted that their demand for a CBI investigation remains non-negotiable.

As the agitation continues, six protesters remain on hunger strike, adding urgency to the standoff. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has previously assured the protestors that those found responsible for irregularities in recruitment tests would face strict action.

In a significant development, three members of the JPSC resigned on [day] after being summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged paper leaks. Earlier, on July 22, JPSC chairperson L Khiangte had also resigned.

The continued protests and the government’s response highlight the tension between public demand for accountability and the administration’s efforts to address grievances while maintaining public order. The students have exercised their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, and the authorities have a duty to facilitate dialogue and uphold the rule of law. As the stalemate persists, all eyes remain on the assembly and the possibility of fresh negotiations.