Ranchi: Fifth Day of Student Protests Demands CBI Probe into JPSC, JSSC Exams

Hundreds of students in Ranchi continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other state-level recruitment tests. The indefinite sit-in, which began on July 29 at the Jaipal Singh Munda stadium, shows no sign of abating as students insist on central agency investigation and reforms in recruitment processes.

The protesters have raised slogans such as 'Order CBI probe in JPSC', 'Long live Students Unity' and 'Shame on Hemant Soren'. They allege that paper leaks have occurred multiple times in the JPSC examinations, and now OMR sheets of candidates have been leaked. While Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered a CID probe, the students say they have no faith in it.

JPSC aspirant Rahul Kumar Kranti said, "Paper leaks in JPSC have happened several times. This time, OMR sheets of candidates have been leaked. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered a CID probe, but we are not satisfied." He further alleged that previous probes into the JSSC-CGL paper leak did not lead to any action, and the latest investigation could also be 'covered up' after a few months.

The protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19. They also want an independent probe by central agencies, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED), into all recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the past seven years. In addition, they have called for the chief minister's resignation on moral grounds, as stated by Mr. Kranti.

Another demand includes the introduction of a fifth option of 'not attempted' in OMR sheets to address concerns about incorrect marking or guessing. Ankit Kumar from Giridih district said, "The careers of thousands of students and aspirants are at stake due to corruption in both agencies. Most of us come from farmers' families. We only want fair opportunities based on merit."

Sneha, a tribal student from Ranchi, said protesters wanted strict punishment for those involved in alleged irregularities and cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination. "I have been preparing for competitive examinations since 2023. But if an equal and fair chance is not given, how can I get a job? I urge CM Soren to listen to our demands," she said.

Archana Kumari from Palamu said the protest would continue until the government addressed their demands and fixed accountability for the alleged irregularities. Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumath in Latehar district, expressed gratitude for support from across the country. "The State government is still in a sleeping mode. We are getting support from across the country. People from various cities are sending food items to the protest site. We are thankful to those helping us continue our protest," he said.

On Sunday evening, thousands of students held a torchlight procession from the Jaipal Singh Munda stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk. There, they raised slogans against the JMM-led alliance government and demanded an impartial probe into the alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC, JSSC-CGL and other state-level public recruitment tests. The students warned that if the government does not address their concerns, they will march to the Jharkhand Assembly and stage a gherao in the next couple of days.

The protesters noted that no government officials have approached them to listen to their grievances, calling this an indication of the insensitivity of the state government towards thousands of students and youths. They remain resolute in their demand for a fair and transparent recruitment process.