13 August,2026 10:30 AM IST | Ranchi | mid-day online correspondent
The students` protest has continued despite several rounds of discussions between the government and student representatives. Pic/PTI
The students' protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand entered its 20th day on Thursday, with the agitators refusing to call off the stir until their demands are addressed.
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has been demonstrating at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, seeking greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of several tests and an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.
The protesters have maintained that an independent investigation is necessary to establish whether irregularities took place in the recruitment process and to ensure that future examinations are conducted transparently.
Former chief minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday threatened to go on a hunger strike if the demand for a CBI probe was not fulfilled within a week.
Das also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of 19 people who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination.
The demand for an independent investigation has also received support from the ABVP, which has announced protests at more than 1,200 universities over the issue.
ABVP leaders have questioned the credibility of the state-appointed SIT investigating the alleged irregularities, citing repeated changes in its composition.
The BJP has accused the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand of attempting to suppress the students' movement.
The Congress, however, accused the BJP of politicising the students' agitation. The party also alleged that the BJP brought workers from outside the state to disrupt the protests.
The political dispute has added another layer to the students' movement, with the ruling and opposition parties trading allegations over the handling of the agitation and the government's response to the protesters' demands.
The students' protest has continued despite several rounds of discussions between the government and student representatives.
Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters marching towards the assembly clashed with police personnel. Security forces used batons, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the agitators.
The police action triggered further political opposition, with the BJP subsequently observing a statewide bandh in protest.
The confrontation has become a major point of contention between the government and opposition parties, while the students have continued to press for action on their demands.
Meanwhile, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike and is undergoing treatment at a hospital after his health deteriorated, sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site.
Mahto said his "soul" remained with the students' movement and sought permission to rejoin the protesters.
Four students who were also on hunger strike were receiving treatment at a hospital, officials said.
The health of the hunger strikers has added to concerns surrounding the prolonged agitation, which has now entered its third week.
Earlier, six rounds of talks between the government and student representatives failed to end the deadlock.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to reforms in recruitment examinations. He has also assured protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled.
Soren has, however, accused the BJP of using the students' agitation for political gains.
With the protest entering its 20th day, the students continue to demand an independent investigation, greater transparency in the recruitment process and action on the examinations they have questioned. The failure of talks so far has left the two sides at an impasse, with protesters refusing to end the agitation until their demands are met.
(With inputs from PTI)
