Intensifying Student Protests in Jharkhand Demand Action on Recruitment Irregularities

In Jharkhand, student protests have intensified as thousands march towards the state Assembly, demanding action on alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. Security forces have responded with water cannons after protesters breached barricades. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto emphasizes the importance of addressing students' futures over personal health concerns. While some demands have been acknowledged, key issues remain unresolved. The situation has drawn political attention, with BJP leaders staging protests and calling for government action. The state government has assured peaceful protest conditions but noted that some demands are subject to judicial directives. This ongoing unrest highlights the urgent need for reform in the recruitment process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 13:47 IST

Student March Escalates in Jharkhand

Screengrab image shows police forces using water canons after protesters broke through police barricades(Source: X)

Ranchi, Aug 10: The march by students towards the Jharkhand Assembly gained momentum on Monday, prompting security forces to deploy water cannons as demonstrators breached police barricades.

A protester was seen climbing a police barricade as the assembly march organized by JPSC-JSSC aspirants surged forward. Thousands of students are converging on the New Assembly building to voice their grievances regarding alleged irregularities in recruitment exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto emphasized that the issues faced by students take precedence over his own health concerns.

“The future of students is at stake, which is more distressing than my health. This situation is truly painful,” Mahto stated.

He further remarked, “My health pales in comparison to the future of students whose opportunities seem to be compromised. Although I am unwell, the ongoing situation is far more troubling. The futures of countless students are being jeopardized.”

Mahto confirmed that the hunger strike initiated by student leaders would persist until their demands are met.

“The hunger strike continues, and we are advancing towards the Assembly. The government must respond to our concerns,” he asserted.

Chandan Kumar, a student protester, shared that representatives had engaged in discussions with ministers over the last two days.

“I was part of the delegation that spoke with ministers for two consecutive days. About 80% of our demands were acknowledged, while 20% remain unaddressed. We are calling for the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and action on pending recruitment backlogs from 2023 to 2025,” he explained.

In a related development, BJP Jharkhand president Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, along with party members, held a sit-in protest outside Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence. Police subsequently detained the BJP leaders and legislators involved in the demonstration.

In response to the situation, BJP Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam stated that the students' concerns deserve sympathetic consideration.

“It is well-known who governs Jharkhand. Have they engaged with the protesting students? I believe their demands should be met with empathy, similar to the actions taken by the Government of India in comparable situations,” Nikam remarked.

City SP Paras Rana commented, "We are prepared for any potential disturbances. If students approach peacefully, the police will respond in kind. Our team is committed to managing the situation calmly."

Jharkhand Minister Deepika Pandey Singh assured that the state government would permit peaceful protests by JPSC-JSSC aspirants and confirmed that no pellet guns, tear gas, or lathi-charge would be employed against them.

She noted that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure law and order during the assembly gherao. Singh mentioned that discussions with student representatives had been ongoing for several hours over the past four days, with the government agreeing to nearly all demands within its authority.

However, she pointed out that the students' request for the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination is tied to judicial orders and cannot be resolved solely by the state government.